Psalm 120

Authorship

This Psalm is anonymous, though it has been attributed to Hezekiah.

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline^[1], but may be adapted.)

I. Deliver me from wicked tongues. (1-4)

A. In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me.

B. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

C. What shall be given unto thee? What shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

1. Sharp arrows of the mighty.

2. Coals of juniper. (They made charcoal from juniper. It burned very hot.

The psalmist was saying he wanted their wicked words destroyed.)

II. Deliver me from warring people. (5-7)

A. Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech and I dwell in the tents of Kedar! (Used symbolically. Both tribes were warring people.)

B. My soul has long dwelt with him that hates peace.

C. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.