Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 120:1-4

Here is, I. Deliverance from a false tongue obtained by prayer. David records his own experience of this. 1. He was brought into distress, into great distress, by lying lips and a deceitful tongue. There were those that sought his ruin, and had almost effected it, by lying. (1.) By telling lies to him. They flattered him with professions and protestations of friendships, and promises of kindness and service to him, that they might the more securely and without suspicion carry on their designs... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 120:1

In my distress I cried unto the Lord ,.... Being at a distance from his own country, or, however, from the house of God; persecuted by men, under the lash of their tongues; reproached, abused, and belied by them: in this his case and circumstances, he betook himself by prayer to the Lord, and importuned help and deliverance of him, knowing that none could help him as he; see Psalm 18:6 ; and he heard me ; answered him, and delivered him. The petition he put up follows, which shows his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 120:2

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. Not from such lips, and such a tongue of his own, which David abhorred; though every good man desires to be kept from speaking lies and deceit; nor from the company of those who have such lips and tongues, which he was determined should not dwell with him; but from the malignity of them, from being hurt in his character and reputation by them; God can restrain them, and prevent the ill influence of them when he pleases,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee ?.... Or, "what shall it give unto thee?" F19 מה יתן לך "quid dabit tibi", Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Gejerus; so Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. That is, what shall the deceitful tongue give unto thee, O my soul? or to thee, to anyone that hears and reads this psalm? It is capable of giving thee a deal of trouble, of doing thee a deal of mischief; and of injuring thy character, and hurting thy peace and comfort, if permitted; or what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 120:4

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Some think these words describe lying lips, and a false tongue; which are like arrows, sharp ones, sent out from a bow drawn with a mighty hand, which come with great force, suddenly and swiftly, and do much mischief; see Psalm 11:2 ; and to "coals of juniper", very distressing and tormenting; the tongue being a fire, set on fire of hell, and sets on fire the course of nature; and throws out devouring words, which consume like fire, James... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 120:1

In my distress - Through the causes afterwards mentioned. I cried unto the Lord - Made strong supplication for help. And he heard one - Answered my prayer by comforting my soul. It appears to be a prayer of the captives in Babylon for complete liberty; or perhaps he recites the prayer the Israelites had made previously to their restoration. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 120:2

Lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue - From a people without faith, without truth, without religion; who sought by lies and calumnies to destroy them. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? - Thou art worthy of the heaviest punishments. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 120:4

Sharp arrows - The Chaldee has, "The strong, sharp arrows are like lightning from above, with coals of juniper kindled in hell beneath." On the juniper, see the note on Job 30:4 , where this passage is explained. Fiery arrows, or arrows wrapped about with inflamed combustibles, were formerly used in sieges to set the places on fire. See my notes on Ephesians 6:16 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 120:1

Verse 1 1.I cried to Jehovah in my distress. The name of the author of the Psalm is not expressed, but the style of it throughout presents David to our view. Although, therefore, I cannot positively affirm, yet I am rather inclined to think that it was composed by him. Nor will it be improper, in my judgment, to explain it as if his name had been mentioned in the inscription. This, then, being granted, I would observe that although David, when in this verse he affirms that the Lord had heard... read more

Group of Brands