Overview 

Psalm 120 is one of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of psalms sung by the Israelites as they made their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. It is a psalm of lament, expressing a cry for help in the midst of distress. The psalmist begins by calling out to God in times of trouble, invoking the Lord as the one who can deliver him from the deceit and lies of those around him. In this chapter, the psalmist reflects on the painful situation of being surrounded by people who speak falsehoods and engage in hostility, but he affirms that God hears his cry. It is a plea for peace in the midst of conflict, showing a trust in God as the ultimate refuge and protector.

Theological significance in this psalm is deeply rooted in God’s sovereign care for His people, even in the midst of adversity. It highlights the trustworthiness of God in times of trouble and the importance of seeking God in prayer for deliverance. The psalm also teaches about the tension that believers often face between living in a world that is hostile to God’s truth while trusting that God will ultimately bring peace. This psalm connects to the larger theme of God’s faithfulness to His people, a key motif in the Bible, and it calls believers to recognize the need for divine intervention in times of hardship.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 120 was likely written during a time of great personal distress, as the psalmist is surrounded by people who practice deceit and hostility. The context of this psalm as part of the Songs of Ascents is significant. These psalms were sung by the Israelites as they made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for major festivals, and they express themes of longing for peace and worship of God. Psalm 120 stands at the beginning of this collection, which emphasizes the journey to Jerusalem both physically and spiritually. The psalmist’s cry in Psalm 120 can be understood as part of the pilgrim’s journey, seeking God in the midst of a hostile environment while trusting in His deliverance.

The psalm is also shaped by the history of Israel, where times of war, deception, and exile brought the people into desperate need of God’s protection. The psalmist’s lament is personal, yet it resonates with the collective experience of Israel throughout its history. The psalm expresses the struggle of the righteous in a world filled with injustice and falsehood, but it also affirms the hope that God will act on behalf of His people. This historical backdrop gives the psalm its deep emotional weight and reinforces the theological truth that God is both a refuge and a deliverer.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

One of the primary theological themes of Psalm 120 is God’s sovereignty over His people’s circumstances. The psalmist calls upon the Lord, recognizing that only God can deliver him from the lies and hostility surrounding him. This reflects the deep trust that believers must place in God, knowing that He is in control even when circumstances seem bleak. God is not distant or unaware of the troubles His people face; rather, He is intimately involved and hears the cries of His people.

Another key theme is the reality of living in a fallen world, where believers often find themselves in opposition to those who reject God’s truth. The psalmist’s lament over deceitful lips and a false tongue highlights the sinful nature of humanity, which often leads to conflict and suffering for those who are committed to truth. This theme underscores the importance of holding fast to the truth of God’s Word, even when it seems that lies and deception dominate the world.

A third theme in this psalm is the longing for peace. The psalmist seeks peace but is surrounded by those who are bent on conflict. This tension between the desire for peace and the reality of hostility is a common experience for believers, and it highlights the need for God’s intervention to bring true peace. The psalmist’s focus on God as the ultimate source of peace is a doctrinal point that underscores the biblical truth that true peace comes only through the presence and work of God in the lives of His people.

This psalm also reflects the hope that, despite the immediate circumstances of suffering, God’s justice will prevail. The psalmist trusts that God will bring about justice and peace in His own timing, even though the current situation may seem hopeless. This speaks to the believer’s call to wait upon God with faith and patience, trusting that He will ultimately make all things right.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis 

Verse 1: 

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”

The opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. The psalmist begins by declaring that in times of distress, he calls on the Lord. This reflects a foundational principle of biblical faith—God is the one to whom His people can turn in their time of need. The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s responsiveness by stating that the Lord answers him. This is a declaration of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to intervene on behalf of those who seek Him in times of trouble.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse teaches that God is not distant or indifferent to the suffering of His people. He hears their cries and is present in times of distress. Christians today can take comfort in the assurance that God listens to their prayers and will respond in accordance with His will. The believer is encouraged to turn to God in prayer, trusting that He will answer, even if the response may not always be immediate or as expected.

Cross-reference: Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Verse 2: 

“Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.”

The psalmist directly requests deliverance from those who speak lies and deceit. The “lying lips” and “deceitful tongues” represent individuals who intentionally spread falsehoods or cause harm through their words. This is not a mere complaint about slander or casual dishonesty, but a plea for protection from those who actively work to deceive and harm.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse highlights the destructive power of words and the biblical view that deceit is a serious sin. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” The application for believers today is to recognize the importance of truth in their speech and to seek God’s help when confronted with deceit. Christians should value honesty, integrity, and truthfulness, and they can trust God to deliver them from those who seek to harm through lies.

Cross-reference: Psalm 5:6 – “You destroy those who tell lies; the bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.”

Verse 3: 

“What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?”

In this verse, the psalmist turns his focus from his distress to the inevitable consequences for those who engage in deceit. The rhetorical question highlights the severity of the situation—what will God do to the deceitful? The psalmist is challenging the deceitful to consider the consequences of their actions, indicating that God will not allow such behavior to go unpunished.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse affirms the biblical principle that God will bring justice against sin, including dishonesty. While the deceitful may prosper temporarily, God will ultimately hold them accountable. Christians are reminded that God is the righteous judge who will bring about justice in His perfect timing, and they should trust Him to deal with those who commit injustices against them.

Cross-reference: Romans 2:6 – “God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.'”

Verse 4: 

“He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.”

Here, the psalmist describes the judgment that awaits the deceitful. The imagery of “warrior’s sharp arrows” and “burning coals” conveys a sense of severe and precise judgment. Arrows symbolize swift and decisive action, while burning coals represent the painful consequences of sin. The broom bush, a plant known for its highly flammable qualities, emphasizes the intensity of the judgment.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse emphasizes the certainty and severity of God’s judgment on those who live in rebellion against His truth. Christians are reminded that God’s justice is both sure and righteous, and His judgment will be appropriate for the severity of the sin. It also calls believers to live in light of God’s holiness, avoiding sin and deceit, and trusting in God’s perfect justice.

Cross-reference: Psalm 11:6 – “On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.”

Verse 5: 

“Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar!”

In this verse, the psalmist laments his situation, feeling isolated and surrounded by those who are hostile to the truth. Meshek and Kedar are distant, barbarous nations that represent the wickedness and corruption the psalmist feels trapped by. Meshek was located in what is now modern-day Turkey, while Kedar was a nomadic Arabian tribe. The psalmist is expressing that he feels out of place, living among those who reject God.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse speaks to the alienation that believers often feel when living in a world that is hostile to God’s truth. The psalmist’s sense of dislocation can resonate with Christians today who live in a culture that often rejects biblical values. Believers are reminded that their true home is with God and His people, and while they may feel like strangers in the world, their citizenship is in heaven.

Cross-reference: 1 Peter 2:11 – “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

Verse 6: 

“Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.”

The psalmist expresses frustration and sorrow over how long he has lived in such a hostile environment. The phrase “those who hate peace” refers to people who are antagonistic to God’s peace and to the psalmist’s desire for peace. The psalmist is weary of being in an environment where peace is not valued or pursued, and this highlights the emotional toll of living in such a context.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse underscores the importance of peace as a biblical value. The psalmist’s lament reflects the believer’s desire for a world where peace reigns, not just peace in the absence of conflict but peace in right relationship with God and others. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), reflecting God’s peace to the world, even in the midst of hostility.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 57:21 – “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Verse 7: 

“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”

The psalmist concludes his lament by contrasting his desire for peace with the hostility of those around him. Despite his efforts to promote peace, those who surround him are bent on conflict. This is the painful reality that believers face in a fallen world—while they seek peace, they are often met with opposition and strife.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse highlights the tension between the believer’s desire for peace and the hostility of the world. It calls Christians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace, even when it seems that their efforts are met with resistance. The believer’s ultimate peace comes from God, and this psalm points to the need for God to intervene and bring true peace.

Cross-reference: John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 120, while primarily a lament about deceit and hostility, points toward the broader redemptive story in several important ways. The psalmist’s cry for deliverance from those who speak lies and practice deceit parallels the condition of humanity under sin. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a growing recognition that human beings, apart from God, are inclined to deceit and rebellion. This is a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who came to confront and overcome the powers of sin and death, which are often associated with deceit and falsehood in Scripture.

In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of truth. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” This contrasts with the deceitful tongues and falsehoods the psalmist laments. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate victory over deceit and lies, offering redemption for all who trust in Him. The psalm’s focus on God’s justice in dealing with the deceitful also points to the final judgment in Christ. Jesus, as the righteous judge, will one day bring ultimate justice, exposing all lies and granting peace to those who belong to Him. His death on the cross, where He bore the deceit and sin of the world, serves as the foundational act of redemption and restoration.

Furthermore, Psalm 120’s longing for peace finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Through His work on the cross, Jesus reconciles both Jews and Gentiles to God, bridging the gap between a hostile world and a holy God. His peace, unlike the peace the world offers, transcends all understanding and is the ultimate answer to the psalmist’s cry.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 120 emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His role as the deliverer of His people, which highlights the Father’s ongoing care and involvement in the lives of His children. The psalmist’s cry for rescue from deceitful tongues reflects the Father’s heart for His people, as He hears their cries and responds with compassion. This connection to the Father is most profoundly revealed through Jesus Christ, who revealed the Father’s love in His ministry on earth. Jesus Himself regularly turned to the Father in prayer, especially in times of distress, and He taught His followers to do the same. The psalmist’s lament about the deceit and hostility surrounding him finds its resolution in the Father’s promise of ultimate justice and peace through Christ.

In the New Testament, the Father’s love for His people is ultimately displayed in sending His Son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16). The Father is not indifferent to human suffering but actively works to restore His creation, as seen in the redemptive mission of Jesus. Just as the psalmist seeks deliverance from the Father, Christians today can rest in the assurance that the Father hears their prayers and is working out His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of the believer, helping them to endure in the face of distress and hostility. Psalm 120’s cry for deliverance can be seen as an expression of the believer’s need for the Spirit’s help in navigating a world filled with lies and deceit. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in a way that honors God, even amidst suffering. The Spirit enables Christians to overcome the lies of the world and to speak truth in love, just as Jesus did.

The Holy Spirit also comforts believers in their distress, reminding them of God’s promises and helping them to pray when they do not know what to say. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” This divine assistance connects to the psalmist’s lament, as the believer is not left to cry out alone but is sustained by the Spirit’s presence. The Holy Spirit also brings peace, the very peace that the psalmist longs for in the midst of conflict. Through the Spirit, Christians experience the peace of Christ, which guards their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 120 reveals God’s deep love and care for humanity, particularly in His readiness to hear the cries of His people and deliver them from suffering. The psalmist’s distress over deceit and hostility reflects the brokenness of the world, yet his cry to God for help points to the fact that God does not leave His people in their trouble. God’s love is not a distant, abstract concept but a love that is actively engaged in the lives of His people. This theme is most profoundly seen in the person of Jesus Christ, who came into a world filled with sin and hostility, not to condemn but to save. The ultimate expression of God’s love is found in the gospel—God’s willingness to sacrifice His Son for the redemption of humanity.

The chapter also touches on the theme of restoration. While the psalmist is overwhelmed by the lies and hostility around him, he trusts that God will bring justice and peace in His time. This is a reflection of God’s overarching plan to restore all things through Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross is the pivotal moment in history when God’s love and justice intersect. In Christ, humanity is offered reconciliation with God, peace with one another, and the hope of ultimate restoration. Through the Holy Spirit, believers experience God’s love in tangible ways as they are empowered to live as agents of His love and peace in a broken world. This points to the ultimate hope that, despite the trials and suffering of life, God’s love will prevail and His redemptive work will be fully realized.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “A Cry for Deliverance: Trusting God in the Midst of Lies and Hostility”

Introduction:

• Begin by acknowledging that life can often feel like a battle between truth and deception. Many of us have experienced times when we’ve been hurt by lies, slander, or misunderstandings.
• Introduce Psalm 120 as a psalm of lament, where the psalmist cries out to God in a moment of distress, surrounded by those who speak deceit and live in hostility. This prayer of the psalmist is not just an ancient cry but one that resonates with us today as believers living in a fallen world.
• Briefly explain that the psalmist begins by calling on God for help, recognizing that only God can deliver him from his enemies.

Main Points:

1. The Reality of Hostility and Deception (Psalm 120:1-4)
   • The psalmist begins by crying out to God in distress, acknowledging the reality of deceitful people around him.
   • Transition: In our world today, we also face lies, slander, and dishonesty. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the hostile world around us. But this psalm shows us where to turn in those moments of distress.
   • Application: Teach the congregation to call upon God in times of trouble, reminding them that God hears their cries. Encourage them to recognize the destructive power of words and to place their trust in God as the ultimate protector and deliverer.
2. The Certainty of God’s Justice (Psalm 120:5-7)
   • The psalmist transitions from the cry of distress to a reflection on the consequences for the deceitful. He speaks of God’s righteous judgment in the form of sharp arrows and burning coals.
   • Transition: Although it may seem that the wicked prosper in the short term, the psalm reminds us that God’s justice will prevail.
   • Application: Remind the congregation that we don’t need to take justice into our own hands. God is the ultimate judge, and He will deal justly with those who oppose His truth. Christians can find peace in knowing that God will right all wrongs in His perfect time. Encourage them to trust God’s timing and His sovereignty over every situation.
3. The Call for Peace in a Hostile World (Psalm 120:6-7)
   • The psalmist expresses his desire for peace but acknowledges that those around him are bent on conflict.
   • Transition: This longing for peace is a universal human experience. We all long for peace in our relationships, workplaces, and society. But as Christians, we know that true peace only comes through God.
   • Application: Challenge the congregation to be agents of peace in a world of hostility. Emphasize that, as followers of Christ, we are called to pursue peace (Matthew 5:9). Encourage them to reflect on how they can live out peace in their daily lives, even when faced with conflict.

Conclusion:

• The psalmist’s cry for deliverance and justice reflects the reality of living in a broken world. But it also directs our eyes to the ultimate source of deliverance: God Himself.
• Jesus Christ, the ultimate truth-teller, entered this world to bring peace and redemption, offering forgiveness for our sins and reconciliation with God.
• Call to Action: As we face deceit and hostility in our own lives, let us turn to God in prayer, trusting that He hears our cries and will bring justice in His time. Let us be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs the peace of Christ.
• Close with a moment of reflection, inviting the congregation to bring their burdens and struggles before God, trusting in His sovereign care.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern-Day Illustration of Deception and Trusting God: Share a story about a situation where someone has been wronged by a lie or a misunderstanding. For example, a person might face gossip at work or a family member might speak falsely about them. In these moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or to want to seek revenge. However, just as the psalmist calls out to God, we can trust that God hears our cries and will take care of the situation in His way and His time.
2. Personal Story: Share a personal experience where you faced opposition or false accusations, but through prayer and trust in God’s justice, you experienced peace. Emphasize how the process of seeking God in those difficult times deepened your relationship with Him and affirmed that God was working in ways that you couldn’t see.
3. Analogy of the Archer and Burning Coals: Illustrate the imagery of “warrior’s sharp arrows” and “burning coals” from the psalm by comparing it to a battle where an archer aims with precision and an intense fire cleanses. Just as an archer never misses his mark, God’s judgment is precise and fair, and His justice will bring about ultimate restoration. This helps the congregation grasp the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God’s justice.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Discipleship:
   • Encourage Christians to engage in daily prayer, especially during times of distress or when facing false accusations or hostility. Just as the psalmist calls out to God, believers today are called to make God their first point of contact in times of trouble. Teach the congregation to trust that God hears them and to lean on Him for strength and peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
2. Stewardship:
   • Highlight how living in truth and peace is a form of good stewardship of the life God has given. Christians are called to reflect God’s character through their words and actions. In the face of a world filled with deceit, believers are stewards of truth, called to speak words that build up rather than tear down.
3. Living Out Faith:
   • Remind the congregation that, even in a hostile world, they are called to be peacemakers. In their families, workplaces, and communities, they can reflect the peace of Christ. Encourage them to think about specific ways they can foster peace in their relationships and be a source of hope and reconciliation in a divided world.
   • Suggest practical steps such as praying for those who oppose them, actively seeking forgiveness in relationships, and choosing to respond to conflict with patience and understanding. This is not an easy task, but it reflects the heart of Christ, who came to bring peace to the world through His sacrifice on the cross.

Reflection Questions 

1. In what areas of your life are you currently feeling distressed or overwhelmed by deceit or hostility? How does Psalm 120 encourage you to respond in these situations?
2. Reflect on a time when you called out to God in distress. How did God answer you? What did you learn about His faithfulness during that time?
3. Psalm 120 emphasizes the certainty of God’s justice. When you face falsehoods or injustice, how can you trust that God will bring about justice in His time?
4. Have you ever struggled with the desire to take justice into your own hands? How can you shift your focus to trust in God’s perfect justice rather than trying to “fix” things yourself?
5. The psalmist longs for peace but faces conflict and hostility. In what ways do you experience hostility or conflict in your relationships or work environment?
6. How can you be an agent of peace in these situations? What does it look like to pursue peace even when others are bent on conflict?