This is the first of fifteen psalms Ps. 120–134 to each of which is prefixed the title “A Song of Degrees.” Four of these psalms are ascribed to David, one of them to Solomon, and the rest are by unknown authors. There has been a great diversity of opinion as to the meaning of the title, and the rea... [ Continue Reading ]
IN MY DISTRESS - In my suffering, as arising from slander, Psalms 120:2. There are few forms of suffering more keen than those caused by slander: “Whose edge is sharper than the sword; whose tongue Outvenoms all the worms of Nile; whose breath Rides on the posting winds, and doth belie All corne... [ Continue Reading ]
DELIVER MY SOUL, O LORD - My soul is harassed and distressed. Perhaps the meaning also may be, My life is in danger. Or, if it refers to the soul as such, then it means that everything pertaining to his soul was deeply affected by the course which was pursued. He was maligned, slandered, misrepresen... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO THEE? - Margin, “What shall the deceitful tongue give unto thee;” or, “what shall it profit thee?” Luther, “What can the false tongue do?” Others render this, “How will God punish thee?” Others, “What will he (God) give to thee?” That is, What recompence can you expect from... [ Continue Reading ]
SHARP ARROWS OF THE MIGHTY - This is an answer to the question in Psalms 120:3. The consequence - the effect - of such a use of the tongue must be like sharp and piercing arrows, or like intensely burning coals. The “sharp arrows of the mighty” are the arrows of the warrior - as war was conducted ma... [ Continue Reading ]
WOE IS ME - My lot is a sad and pitiable one, that I am compelled to live in this manner, and to be exposed thus to malignant reproaches. It is like living in Mesech or in Kedar. THAT I SOJOURN - The word used here does not denote a permanent abode, but it usually refers to a temporary lodging, as... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL HATH LONG DWELT WITH HIM THAT HATETH PEACE - This trouble is no new thing. It has been long continued, and has become intolerable. Who this was that thus gave him trouble is, of course, now unknown. It is only necessary to remark that there can scarcely be any source of trouble more bitter t... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM FOR PEACE - Margin, “A man of peace.” Literally, “I (am) peace.” It is my nature. I desire to live in peace. I strive to do so. I do nothing to provoke a quarrel. I would do anything which would be right to pacify others. I would make any sacrifices, yield to any, demands, consent to any arrang... [ Continue Reading ]