Psalm 120:1

Translations

Modern

A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

Traditional

A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

Literal

A Song of the Ascents. To YHWH, in the distress for me, I cried out, and He answered me.

Latin

Canticum graduum. Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi, et exaudivit me.

Original

Hebrew

English

A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

Notes

Psalms 120:1–2

The psalmist is surrounded by liars, so he makes his lament to the Lord, the only one who can help him.

Psalms 120:1–7

This short, individual lament expresses the psalmist’s trust that the Lord will deal with deceptive evildoers. It also laments living as a stranger among hateful liars. The psalmist’s picture of his life in a foreign land might have been a reality as he set out for Jerusalem, or it might depict his feelings and concerns as he begins his pilgrimage. Overwhelmed with injustice, he trusts God and looks forward to arriving in the Lord’s presence.

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Related verses

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
Jonah 2:2
…saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.
Psalm 118:5
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
Psalm 130:1
A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD!
Luke 22:44
And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Psalm 125:1
A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
Psalm 107:13
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.
Isaiah 37:3–4
…to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.
Psalm 131:1
A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.
Isaiah 37:14–20
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Jonah Degrees, Song of Hallel Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

David: King of Israel: At This Time Probably Writes Prayer: Answered Psalms: Afflictions Speaking: Evil

Psalm 120:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?