Psalm 120

¹In my distress I cried out

to the Lord and he answered me.

²I said, “O Lord, rescue me[#tn The words “I said” are supplied in the translation for clarification. See the introductory note for this psalm.; #tn Or “my life.”]

from those who lie with their lips

and those who deceive with their tongue.

³How will he severely punish you,

you deceptive talker?

⁴Here’s how! With the sharp arrows of warriors,[#tn The words “here’s how” are supplied in the translation as a clarification. In v. 4 the psalmist answers the question he raises in v. 3.]

with arrowheads forged over the hot coals.

⁵How miserable I am![#tn Or “woe to me.” The Hebrew term אוֹיָה (’oyah, “woe”) which occurs only here, is an alternate form of אוֹי (’oy).]

For I have lived temporarily in Meshech;

I have resided among the tents of Kedar.

⁶For too long I have had to reside

with those who hate peace.

⁷I am committed to peace,[#tn Heb “I, peace.”]

but when I speak, they want to make war.