Psalm 120 Study Notes

Ps 120 title This is the first of fifteen psalms of ascents (Pss 120-134). These psalms were designed for pilgrimage processions to celebrate seasonal feasts in Jerusalem. The hymns contain numerous references to Jerusalem or Zion, the temple, Israel, peace, and adversity. The fifteen songs, adapted from ancient hymns heralding the blessings and salvation of Zion, may have been sung on the fifteen steps leading up to the temple.

120:1 From Gn 35:3 the Bible is full of individuals and groups who testify to the Lord’s faithfulness. They prayed to the Lord in their distress and were heard because he is a God of compassion (see 2Sm 22:7,19; Ps 86:7; Jnh 2:2).

120:2 Metaphorically, lying lips and a deceitful tongue denote the spread of gossip and baseless rumors (109:2).

120:3-4 Those who spoke lies—possibly while swearing by God that they were not lying—would face severe judgment. Burning charcoal is literally “coals of broom,” that is, charcoal derived from a hard-stemmed plant called a broom tree (1Kg 19:4-5; Jb 30:4).

120:5-7 Meshech was located southeast of the Black Sea. Kedar was an eastern plain located at the northern fringe of the Syrian-Arabian Desert. It was normally inhabited by Arab tribes. Together they represent places far and near where Israelites dwelt as aliens.