---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 120"
description: "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."
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/120"
---

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](../../../kjv/1-kings/12/27);
[1 Kings 12:28](../../../kjv/1-kings/12/28)) to Jerusalem on the
festival occasions ([Deuteronomy 16:16](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/16/16)),
three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of
one ([Psalms 127:1](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/psalms/52/2);
[Psalms 52:4](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/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.

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