Psalm 120

God the Ever-wakeful Watchman

Introduction.—According to PP 664 David composed Ps. 120 and 121 shortly after the death of Samuel. The removal of this godly man was a great personal loss to David. He recognized that now that Samuel’s restraining influence had been removed. Saul would pursue him with greater fury than ever.

The slanderer (v. 2) is most probably Saul, though Doeg the Edomite (1 Sam. 22:22; see on 1 Sam. 26:19) has also been suggested.

There is considerable uncertainty regarding the meaning of the expression “a Song of degrees,” perhaps better translated, “a Song of ascents,” appearing in the superscription to this psalm and in the superscriptions to Ps. 121–134. The most probable explanation is that these psalms were employed as pilgrim psalms, sung as the children of Israel journeyed up to Jerusalem to the yearly festivals (see PP 538; see also pp. 625, 627).

1. He heard me. Literally, “he answered me.” Not only does the Lord hear prayers; He answers them according to His infinite wisdom.

2. Deceitful tongue. See Introduction to Ps. 120. On the power of the tongue see James 3:5, 6. Consolation, when one is slandered, may be found in the words of Jesus (Matt. 5:10–12).

3. False tongue. Slander embitters and degrades the soul of the one who speaks evil of his neighbor, and brings misunderstanding and contention into society.

4. Sharp arrows. Verse 4 is the answer to the question raised in v. 3. Evidently these sharp arrows represent the retribution the Lord brings upon the slanderer.

Juniper. Heb. rethamim, believed to represent a plant called broom, a treelike shrub with many twigs but with few leaves (see on Job 30:4). From this broom the Arabs today manufacture charcoal of good quality which makes an intensely hot fire.

5. Mesech. Rather, “Meshech” (see on Gen. 10:2).

Kedar. See on Gen. 25:13. Meshech and Kedar are evidently used figuratively of the lands of David’s exile.

6. That hateth peace. Perhaps a reference to King Saul (see Introduction to Ps. 120).

7. I am for peace. Literally, “I am peace.” David’s attempts to live peaceably with Saul and his evil advisers, were answered with hatred and hostility.