PSALM 120
. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134)
entitled "A Song of Degrees" ( —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 (Psalms 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.
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
Psalms 120:3.
5. A residence in these remote
lands pictures his miserable condition.
6, 7. 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.
PSALM 120
. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled "A Song of Degrees" ( —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 (Psalms 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.
2, 3. Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence.
tongue—as in Psalms 52:2; Psalms 52:4.
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 Psalms 120:3.
5. A residence in these remote lands pictures his miserable condition.
6, 7. 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.