Psalms 120
What Happens in This Chapter
This is a short prayer of someone far from home, living among people who lie. He asks God to save him from lying words. He says he wants peace, but the people around him want fighting. It is the first of a group of songs that travelers sang on the way to Jerusalem.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
1When I was in trouble, I called out to the LORD. And he answered me.
2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
2LORD, save me from people who lie. Save me from words that trick and fool me.
3What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
3What will God do to you, lying tongue? What more will he add?
4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
4He will send sharp arrows from a strong soldier. He will send burning hot coals.
The KJV says "coals of juniper." That is wood from a bush called the broom tree. Its coals burn very hot and stay hot a long time.
5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
5How sad I am! I live far away in Meshech. I live among the tents of Kedar.
Meshech and Kedar were faraway places. People there were known for fighting. The writer means he feels like a stranger among rough people.
6My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
6I have lived too long with people who hate peace.
7I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
7I want peace. But when I speak, they want to fight.
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