Psalm 120: A Cry from the Exile
Best for: Living among difficult people, longing for peace
Psalm 120 ("A Cry from the Exile") is a lament psalm best read for living among difficult people, longing for peace. Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (120-134), sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. The psalmist cries out from distress among deceitful, lying lips and a false tongue.
Overview
Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (120-134), sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. The psalmist cries out from distress among deceitful, lying lips and a false tongue. He laments dwelling too long among those who hate peace — living in Mesech and Kedar.
He is for peace, but when he speaks, they are for war.
Key Verses
"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me."— Psalm 120:1 (KJV)
"I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."— Psalm 120:7 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Sometimes the hardest part of life isn't the big battles but living among hostile people daily. This psalm captures the weariness of being a person of peace in a world of conflict.
Historical Context
The first of 15 'Songs of Ascent' (120-134), sung by pilgrims climbing to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This psalm begins the journey in distress—'Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech!'—among hostile neighbors. The pilgrimage represents moving from conflict toward God's peace.
How to Apply This Today
Every spiritual journey begins where you are—often in a place of conflict and distress. Don't wait until life is peaceful to seek God; start walking toward Him from wherever you are. The road to Jerusalem (God's presence) starts in Meshech (your current mess).
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 120
In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech! My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 120 about?
Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents (120-134), sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. The psalmist cries out from distress among deceitful, lying lips and a false tongue. He laments dwelling too long among those who hate peace — living in Mesech and Kedar. He is for peace, but when he speaks, they are for war.
What does Psalm 120 teach us?
Sometimes the hardest part of life isn't the big battles but living among hostile people daily. This psalm captures the weariness of being a person of peace in a world of conflict.
What are the key themes of Psalm 120?
The key themes of Psalm 120 include: Lying Tongues, Peace, Exile, Pilgrimage.
When should I read Psalm 120?
Psalm 120 is especially meaningful for: Living among difficult people, longing for peace. The overall mood is weary, longing.
How can I apply Psalm 120 to my life?
Every spiritual journey begins where you are—often in a place of conflict and distress. Don't wait until life is peaceful to seek God; start walking toward Him from wherever you are. The road to Jerusalem (God's presence) starts in Meshech (your current mess).
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