Psalm 120
A Cry for Peace in a World of Strife
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Psalm 120 stands as the first of the fifteen Songs of Ascents, traditionally believed to have been sung by the Israelites as they journeyed to Jerusalem for their annual feasts. In this Psalm, the author expresses distress from deceitful tongues and yearns for God's deliverance. The Psalm resonates deeply with the New Testament's teachings about the importance of truth and the believer's quest for peace amid adversity.
Section 1: A Cry for Deliverance (Verses 1-2)
"In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue."
Harmony
Jesus teaches about the value of truth and the danger of deceit. In John 8:44, He refers to the devil as "the father of lies." He also assures His followers of God's attentiveness to their prayers in John 14:13-14.
Talking Points:
The immediate response of the Psalmist in distress – turning to the Lord.
The danger and pain caused by deceit and falsehood.
God as the source of deliverance and truth.
Questions:
Why do you think deceit and lying are recurring themes in both the Old and New Testaments?
How can we ensure we seek God first in times of distress?
How have you personally experienced deliverance from falsehood or deceit?
Section 2: The Consequences of Deceit (Verses 3-4)
“What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!"
Harmony
Ephesians 6:16 speaks of the "flaming darts of the evil one." This is emblematic of the spiritual warfare believers face, including attacks of deception and lies.
Talking Points:
The powerful imagery depicting the harm deceit can cause.
The inevitability of consequences for those who spread falsehood.
The spiritual battle against deceit and the need for God's armor.
Questions:
How do the images of arrows and glowing coals speak to the dangers of deceit?
How can we prepare ourselves against the "sharp arrows" of deceit in today's world?
What practices can help believers identify and resist falsehood?
Section 3: The Yearning for Peace (Verses 5-7)
"Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war."
Harmony
Jesus is identified as the "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6 and affirmed in Ephesians 2:14 where He is our peace, breaking down walls of hostility.
Talking Points:
The struggle of dwelling among those opposed to peace.
The dichotomy between the Psalmist's desire for peace and the surrounding world's inclination toward strife.
The Christian's calling to be peacemakers in a world of conflict.
Questions:
Why do you think the Psalmist references Meshech and Kedar?
How can believers pursue peace in hostile environments?
How does Jesus embody the ultimate aspiration for peace?
Summary:
Psalm 120, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, reflects the believer's cry for deliverance from deceit and hostility, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's lamentation about dwelling among deceitful lips prefigures the reality of Jesus, who faced opposition and false accusations during His earthly ministry (Matthew 26:59-61, Mark 14:55-56).
The psalmist's plea for God's deliverance aligns with the deliverance and salvation offered through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection (Romans 6:8-11, Hebrews 2:14-15).
The psalmist's desire for peace amid hostility corresponds to Jesus' promise of peace in Him despite the tribulations of the world (John 16:33, Ephesians 2:14).
The psalmist's portrayal of being among those who hate peace reflects the hostility Jesus encountered from those who rejected His teachings and claims (Matthew 21:46, John 15:18-19).
The psalmist's plea for God's intervention anticipates the divine justice and judgment that will be carried out by Jesus, the righteous Judge (Acts 17:31, 2 Timothy 4:8).
Ultimately, Psalm 120 leads us to Jesus as the ultimate deliverer, the source of true peace, and the Judge who will bring about justice, inviting us to find refuge in Him amid life's challenges and trust in His ultimate victory.