Discovery BoxPsalms 120:1-3
ContextA song of ascents. 2
120:1 In my distress I cried out
to the Lord and he answered me.
120:2 I said, 3 “O Lord, rescue me 4
from those who lie with their lips 5
and those who deceive with their tongue. 6
120:3 How will he severely punish you,
you deceptive talker? 7
[120:1] 1 sn Psalm 120. The genre and structure of this psalm are uncertain. It begins like a thanksgiving psalm, with a brief notice that God has heard the psalmist’s prayer for help and has intervened. But v. 2 is a petition for help, followed by a taunt directed toward enemies (vv. 3-4) and a lament (vv. 5-7). Perhaps vv. 2-7 recall the psalmist’s prayer when he cried out to the Lord.
[120:1] 2 sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.
[120:2] 3 tn The words “I said” are supplied in the translation for clarification. See the introductory note for this psalm.
[120:2] 5 tn Heb “from a lip of falsehood.”
[120:2] 6 tn Heb “from a tongue of deception.”
[120:3] 7 tn Heb “What will he give to you, and what will he add to you, O tongue of deception?” The psalmist addresses his deceptive enemies. The
