In Psalms 120 What Does The Psalm Reveal About The Consequences Of Deceit And Falsehood?
Psalms 120: The Consequences of Deceit and Falsehood
Psalm 120 marks the beginning of the "Songs of Ascents," a collection of psalms sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. This particular psalm is a passionate cry for deliverance from a world filled with deceit and lies. It reveals not only the distress caused by falsehood but also the believer’s response and ultimate hope in God’s faithfulness.
The Distress of Living Among Liars
In my distress I cried unto Jehovah, And he answered me. Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, And from a deceitful tongue. - Psalms 120:1-2 ASV
The psalmist opens with a personal testimony of distress caused by "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue." The pain here is both emotional and spiritual. Falsehood corrupts relationships and communities, breeding distrust and division. The psalmist's distress echoes the experience of many who have suffered because of slander or deception. Scripture consistently warns of the destructive power of lies:
A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren. - Proverbs 6:19 ASV
The consequences of deceit are profound, leading to broken trust and, often, to personal anguish.
The Consequences Awaiting the Deceitful
What shall be given unto thee, and what shall be done more unto thee, Thou deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper. - Psalms 120:3-4 ASV
The psalmist declares judgment on the deceitful: "sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper." These images suggest precise and consuming judgment. In biblical times, arrows symbolized sudden, inescapable punishment, and burning coals represented intense, purifying fire. The fate of the liar is not trivial—God sees and will respond justly to every falsehood.
This theme is reinforced elsewhere in Scripture:
A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. - Proverbs 19:5 ASV
Ultimately, deceit brings divine judgment. No lie goes unnoticed by the Lord, and His justice will prevail.
The Longing for Peace Amid Hostility
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, That I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long had her dwelling With him that hateth peace. I am for peace: But when I speak, they are for war. - Psalms 120:5-7 ASV
The psalmist laments living among people who are hostile and love conflict. "Meshech" and "Kedar" represent distant, pagan lands, symbolic of alienation and spiritual exile. The godly often feel out of place in a world that embraces falsehood.
Yet, the psalmist’s heart is set on peace. In the midst of lies and aggression, the believer is called to truth and reconciliation, reflecting the character of Christ:
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. - Matthew 5:9 ASV
The Believer’s Response: Crying Out to God
Psalm 120 does not end in despair but in hope. The psalmist’s refuge is prayer—he brings his distress to God, confident that the Lord hears and answers. This models the right response to injustice and deceit: persistent, faith-filled prayer.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not. - Jeremiah 33:3 ASV
Christ: The Ultimate Answer to Deceit
The New Testament reveals Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6 ASV). Through His death and resurrection, He conquers the lies of sin and Satan, offering forgiveness and new life to all who trust in Him. Believers are called to walk in truth, reflecting Christ in a world still marred by falsehood.
Conclusion
Psalm 120 vividly portrays the pain and consequences of deceit, both for the victim and the perpetrator. But it also points to the hope found in God’s justice and faithfulness. The believer’s task is to hold fast to truth, seek peace, and trust in the Lord’s ultimate deliverance.