SAVE ME, O LORD
Key verse: 120:2
NIV
Psalm 120
A song of ascents.
1 I call on the Lord(A) in my distress,(B)
and he answers me.
2 Save me, Lord,
from lying lips(C)
and from deceitful tongues.(D)
3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,(E)
with burning coals of the broom bush.
5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!(F)
6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Deliver Me, O Lord
A Song of (A)Ascents.120 In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
(B)and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 (C)A warrior's (D)sharp arrows,
with glowing (E)coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in (F)Meshech,
that I dwell among (G)the tents of (H)Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 (I)I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
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Cross references
- Psalm 120:1 : Ex. 34:24; 1 Kgs. 12:27; Isa. 30:29
- Psalm 120:3 : [1 Sam. 3:17]
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 127:4; Jer. 50:9
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 45:5
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 140:10; Prov. 25:22
- Psalm 120:5 : Gen. 10:2; Ezek. 27:13; 38:2, 3; 39:1
- Psalm 120:5 : Song 1:5
- Psalm 120:5 : Gen. 25:13; Isa. 60:7; Jer. 49:28; Ezek. 27:21
- Psalm 120:7 : [Ps. 109:4]
120 In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
(B)and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 (C)A warrior's (D)sharp arrows,
with glowing (E)coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in (F)Meshech,
that I dwell among (G)the tents of (H)Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 (I)I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
Cross references
- Psalm 120:1 : Ex. 34:24; 1 Kgs. 12:27; Isa. 30:29
- Psalm 120:3 : [1 Sam. 3:17]
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 127:4; Jer. 50:9
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 45:5
- Psalm 120:4 : Ps. 140:10; Prov. 25:22
- Psalm 120:5 : Gen. 10:2; Ezek. 27:13; 38:2, 3; 39:1
- Psalm 120:5 : Song 1:5
- Psalm 120:5 : Gen. 25:13; Isa. 60:7; Jer. 49:28; Ezek. 27:21
- Psalm 120:7 : [Ps. 109:4]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
First, deceitful tongues (1-4). The Psalmist called on the Lord at the time when he was confronted by lying lips and deceitful tongues. Instead of getting into a war of words with those spreading lies, or defending himself against their accusations, he prayed that the Lord would save him. He sought God and not personal retribution. Instead of seeking to save his own reputation, he sought the Lord who is the Judge, who answers our cries and reveals himself. Jesus described Satan as a liar and murderer from the beginning. When we are confronted with deceitful tongues it is time to call on the Lord. He alone can save. Second, I am for peace (5-7). Meshech and Kedar represent those are for war. They lived in hostility with others. In our times they may be represented by those who want to excel in this world regardless of the consequences to others. The Psalmist seemed to have been familiar with such an existence. Here however he proclaims himself to be for peace just as the Lord is for peace. He would no longer wage war with his tongue, but would depend on the God of peace.
Prayer: Lord, when I am confronted by this world's deceit, help me to live in peace and depend on you.
One Word: Save me, Lord, from lying lips
