Keraia
Psalm 120

Psalm 120:4

In My Distress I Cried to the LORD · Psalm 120:1–7
Read Psalm 120

Translations

Modern
Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!
Traditional
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Literal
The sharpened arrows of a mighty one, with the burning coals of broom trees!
Latin
Sagittæ potentis acutæ, cum carbonibus desolatoriis.

Original

Hebrew
English
Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!

Notes

Psalms 120:3–4

  • The psalmist speaks with the liars around him. He feels confident that the Lord will judge them.

  • The Divine Warrior (see Psalms 7:12–13; 11:4–6) will attack the liars with sharp arrows and burning coals.

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.

Glossary

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

Topics

Arrow: Figurative Arrows: Sharp Falsehood: General Scriptures Concerning Juniper: A Tree Lying: Punishment For Speaking: Evil