Copyright StatementThese files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text scanned by Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliographical InformationJamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Psalms 120". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
commentaries/eng/jfb/psalms-120.html. 1871-8.
Introduction
PSALM 120
:-. This is the first of fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) entitled "A Song of Degrees" ( :- —literally, "A song for the degrees"), or ascents. It seems most probable they were designed for the use of the people when going up (compare 1 Kings 12:27; 1 Kings 12:28) to Jerusalem on the festival occasions (Deuteronomy 16:16), three times a year. David appears as the author of four, Solomon of one (Psalms 127:1), and the other ten are anonymous, probably composed after the captivity. In this Psalm the writer acknowledges God's mercy, prays for relief from a malicious foe, whose punishment he anticipates, and then repeats his complaint.
Verse 2
2, 3. Slander and deceit charged on his foes implies his innocence.
tongue—as in Psalms 52:2; Psalms 52:4.
Verse 4
4. Sharp arrows of the mighty—destructive inflictions.
coals of juniper—which retain heat long. This verse may be read as a description of the wicked, but better as their punishment, in reply to the question of Psalms 120:3.
Verse 5
5. A residence in these remote lands pictures his miserable condition.
Verse 6
6, 7. While those who surrounded him were maliciously hostile, he was disposed to peace. This Psalm may well begin such a series as this, as a contrast to the promised joys of God's worship.