Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Psalms 120
Psalm 120:1-7. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled “A Song of Degrees” (Psalm 121:1 - literally, “A song for the degrees”), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1 Kings 12:27, 1 Kings 12:28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (Deuteronomy 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of one (Psalm 127:1), and the other ten are anonymous, probably composed after the captivity. In this Psalm the writer acknowledges God‘s mercy, prays for relief from a malicious foe, whose punishment he anticipates, and then repeats his complaint.
Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence.
tongue — as in Psalm 52:2, Psalm 52:4.
Sharp arrows of the mighty — destructive inflictions.
coals of juniper — which retain heat long. This verse may be read as a description of the wicked, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of Psalm 120:3.
While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God‘s worship.
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