Psalms 120:4. Sharp arrows of the mighty— Sharp arrows of the mighty [shot] from coals of juniper. Hiller. Hierophut. 255. Hamm. "All the reward thou shalt meet with shall be a swift vengeance from the Almighty." This is metaphorically represented by sharp arrows, and burning coals of juniper; the wood of which tree is supposed to burn more intensely than any other. read more
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. read more
Psalms 120Psalms 120-134 are all "songs of ascent." This group, in turn, constitutes the major part of the Great Hallel psalms (Psalms 120-136). The psalms of ascent received this title because the pilgrim Israelites sang them as they traveled from their homes all over the land and ascended Mt. Zion for the annual feasts. David composed at least four of these 15 psalms (Psalms 122, 124, 131, , 133). Solomon wrote one (Psalms 127), and the remaining 10 are anonymous. They may not have been... read more
2. God’s destruction of liars 120:3-4The writer asked the liar what would befall him and then answered his own question. God would destroy him as a warrior who shot arrows at an enemy or as a fire devoured a dry broom tree. read more
These Pss. are similar in thought, style, and language. Each bears the heading A Song of degrees, RV ’A Song of Ascents.’ Scholars now agree for the most part in interpreting this title ’A Song of Pilgrimages’ (lit. ’goings up’), as indicating the use of these Pss. for pilgrims on their annual journeys to keep the various feasts at Jerusalem. Others explain the ’Ascent’ as referring to the return of the exiles from Babylon. This section had doubtless been a separate Psalter with this title,... read more
A cry for help to Jehovah in the midst of sore distress, evidently by an exile under foreign oppression.4. ’Sharp arrows of a mighty man, with glowing coals of broom,’ i.e. burning charcoal made of broom. Both expressions are figures for divine judgments: cp. Psalms 140:10.5. Mesech] i.e. the Moschi, a tribe dwelling near the Euxine Sea: cp. Genesis 10:2, also Herodotus 3.94. Kedar] tribes of N. Arabia famous for their black tents: cp. Song of Solomon 1:5. Here the two names are probably taken... read more
(3) What shall . . .?—Literally, What will he give to thee, and what will he add to thee, deceitful tongue? where it is better, as in the Authorised Version, to take the subject as indefinite, and so render by the passive. Thus we get in substance the following question: “What more can be added to thee (i.e., in the way of epithet), besides lying and false, thou deceitful tongue?” the answer is given by suggesting the usual metaphors of malicious speech, “the warrior’s sharpened arrows”... read more
(4) Sharp.—Better, sharpened, whetted, as if for a purpose.Juniper.—Properly, broom. Hebrew, rothem, a plant identical with the Arabian retem and Algerian retama. (See 1 Kings 19:4-5.) Doctor Tristram mentions the employment of this bush for fuel. “It is ruthlessly uprooted by the Arabs, wherever it is tolerably abundant, for the manufacture of charcoal, which is considered of the finest quality, and fetches a higher price at Cairo than any other kind. Several travellers have mentioned their... read more
Psalms 120:1-7THE collection of pilgrim songs is appropriately introduced by one expressive of the unrest arising from compulsory association with uncongenial and hostile neighbours. The psalmist laments that his sensitive "soul" has been so long obliged to be a "sojourner" where he has heard nothing but lying and strife. Weary of these, his soul stretches her wings towards a land of rest. His feeling ill at ease amidst present surroundings stings him to take the pilgrim’s staff. "In" this... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 120:4
mighty = Mighty [One]. read more