Psalms Chapter 120

Psalm 120 (119)

¡°Song of Ascent¡±

1 I called to the Lord in my distress,
and he answered me.

2 Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

3 How shall he pay you back,
O deceitful and lying tongue?

4 He will punish you with arrows
hardened over the glowing coals!

5 Woe is me who live with barbarians,
and dwell amid plunders.

6 My soul is sick of dwelling
among those who hate peace;

7 I want peace,
but they only think of quarrels.

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Comments Psalms, Chapter 120

The pilgrims who went up to the Temple were not without their troubles: some were not at peace with their neighbors; others complained that they were not living with believers but with pagans. They wanted the peace that God gives to those who draw near to him.

The Psalms 120¨C134 have the same title: ¡°Song of Ascents.¡± The pilgrims, surely, sang them while going up to the Jerusalem Temple. That is why we find at times an antiphon that the crowd of pilgrims would repeat.
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