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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 120, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Song of degrees.] In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
Psalms 120:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, {and} from a deceitful tongue.
Psalms 120:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? {What shall be given...: or, What shall the deceitful tongue give unto thee? or, what shall it profit thee?} {done: Heb. added}
Psalms 120:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. {Sharp...: or, It is as the sharp arrows of the mighty man, with coals of juniper}
5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, {that} I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Psalms 120:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
Psalms 120:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 I {am for} peace: but when I speak, they {are} for war. {for peace: or, a man of peace}
Psalms 120:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.