psalm

Psalm 120

A pilgrimage song.[a]

120 
I cried out to the Lord when I was in trouble
(and he answered me):
“Lord, deliver me[b] from lying lips
and a dishonest tongue!”
What more will be given to you,
what more will be done to you,
you dishonest tongue?
Just this:[c] a warrior’s sharpened arrows,
coupled with burning coals from a wood[d] fire!
Oh, I’m doomed
because I have been an immigrant in Meshech,
because I’ve made my home among Kedar’s tents.
I’ve lived far too long
with people who hate peace.
I’m for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 120:1 Or song of ascents or song of going up (that is, to Jerusalem); cf Ps 122:4. The heading is found in every psalm from Ps 120 to Ps 134.
  2. Psalm 120:2 Or my soul; also in 120:6
  3. Psalm 120:4 Heb lacks this.
  4. Psalm 120:4 Or the gorse or broom tree