Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 120

He heard me. Literally, “he answered me.” Not only does the Lord hear prayers; He answers them according to His infinite wisdom.

Deceitful tongue. See Introduction to Ps. 120. On the power of the tongue see James 3:5, 6. Consolation, when one is slandered, may be found in the words of Jesus (Matt. 5:10–12).

False tongue. Slander embitters and degrades the soul of the one who speaks evil of his neighbor, and brings misunderstanding and contention into society.

Sharp arrows. Verse 4 is the answer to the question raised in v. 3. Evidently these sharp arrows represent the retribution the Lord brings upon the slanderer. Juniper. Heb. rethamim, believed to represent a plant called broom, a treelike shrub with many twigs but with few leaves (see on Job 30:4). From this broom the Arabs today manufacture charcoal of good quality which makes an intensely hot fire.

Mesech. Rather, “Meshech” (see on Gen. 10:2). Kedar. See on Gen. 25:13. Meshech and Kedar are evidently used figuratively of the lands of David’s exile.

That hateth peace. Perhaps a reference to King Saul (see Introduction to Ps. 120).

I am for peace. Literally, “I am peace.” David’s attempts to live peaceably with Saul and his evil advisers, were answered with hatred and hostility.