Rex H. Henderson

PSALM 120

In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war. (Psalm 120, KJV)

Psalm 120

From Here to Zion

Psalms 120 through 134 are known
As songs of ascent, or going upward.
The pilgrims were going up to the annual
Feasts, Passover, Pentecost and Atonement.

While on their way they sang songs of
Ascent. They were going up to Zion.
But the Psalmist was in distress longing
For peace, but his environment was cruel.

When he would do well, his neighbors
Mocked, slandered and made war.
He declares, “I am a man of peace.” But
They hated peace. He prays for favor.

If you live in bad lodgings, and dwelling
With the wicked which goes against
Your Christian graces, why don’t
You move to another location?

“This world is not my home: I’m just a passin’ through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

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