otcanon
Psalms 120
A servant in distress cries to Jehovah against lying lips and a deceitful tongue, and receives the assurance of being heard. The tongue that deals falsely is answered not by argument but by the sharp arrows and burning coals that are the portion of those who traffic in deception. The psalm closes naming the condition of exile: sojourning in Mesech and dwelling among the tents of Kedar — peoples at the far edges of covenant territory — among those who hate peace though the soul longs for it. Distress, petition, divine hearing: the covenant pattern holds even in foreign encampment.
1
In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
3
What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
6
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
