Psalms 120

Chapter Summary

The psalmist begins by expressing his distress and frustration with the deceitful and violent words of his enemies, as seen in Psalms 120:2-3. He then appeals to God for deliverance, trusting in His power and justice, as stated in Psalms 120:1. The psalmist also acknowledges the difference between those who live in peace and those who promote war and violence, as mentioned in Psalms 120:6-7. Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the face of evil and opposition.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of songs and prayers that express the depths of human emotion and the heights of divine revelation. The chapter is likely a response to the psalmist's experience of persecution and opposition, and it serves as a model for our own prayers and trust in God's sovereignty and providence. The chapter also fits into the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition. We can apply this to our own lives by crying out to God for deliverance and rescue, and by trusting in His sovereignty and providence. We can also learn to distinguish between those who promote violence and those who live in peace, and to trust in God's ultimate deliverance and judgment.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about a person who is being hurt by people who are saying mean and false things about them. They are asking God to help them and keep them safe. The person knows that God is powerful and just, and they trust in Him to rescue them. We can learn from this chapter to trust in God's power and justice, and to ask for His help when we are facing hard times, as seen in Psalms 120:1-2.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's cry for deliverance is a model for our own prayers, as we trust in God's power and justice to rescue us from evil and opposition.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the face of evil and opposition.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and cry for deliverance (Psalms 120:1-2) — The psalmist introduces his prayer and cries out to God for deliverance from deceitful and hateful words.
2. Description of the enemies and their words (Psalms 120:2-3) — The psalmist describes the deceitful and hateful words of his enemies, which are opposed to the truth and love of God.
3. Contrast between peace and war (Psalms 120:6-7) — The chapter highlights the contrast between those who promote violence and those who live in peace, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
4. Conclusion and trust in God's deliverance (Psalms 120:7) — The psalmist concludes his prayer by trusting in God's power and justice to rescue him from his enemies and to bring peace to the righteous.
5. Final thoughts on trusting in God — The chapter ends with a final emphasis on the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the face of evil and opposition.

Core Doctrines

Providence

This chapter teaches that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of events to achieve His purposes. The psalmist's trust in God's power and justice is rooted in this doctrine, as seen in Psalms 120:1.

Justification

The chapter implies that God will ultimately justify the righteous and condemn the wicked, as the psalmist trusts in God's power and justice to rescue him from his enemies.

Sanctification

The chapter emphasizes the importance of living in peace and harmony with God and others, as the psalmist contrasts those who promote violence with those who live in peace.

Prayer

The chapter models the importance of prayer and crying out to God for deliverance and rescue, as the psalmist trusts in God's power and justice to answer his prayers.

Lessons from Psalms 120

1. Trust in God's power and justice — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition.
2. Distinguish between peace and war — The chapter emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between those who promote violence and those who live in peace.
3. Cry out to God for deliverance — The chapter models the importance of crying out to God for deliverance and rescue, as the psalmist trusts in God's power and justice to answer his prayers.
4. Trust in God's sovereignty and providence — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.
5. Live in peace and harmony with God and others — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living in peace and harmony with God and others, as the psalmist contrasts those who promote violence with those who live in peace.

Themes from Psalms 120

1. Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition.
2. Deliverance and rescue — The chapter models the importance of crying out to God for deliverance and rescue, as the psalmist trusts in God's power and justice to answer his prayers.
3. Peace and war — The chapter highlights the contrast between those who promote violence and those who live in peace, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
4. God's sovereignty and providence — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.
5. Prayer and crying out to God — The chapter models the importance of prayer and crying out to God for deliverance and rescue, as the psalmist trusts in God's power and justice to answer his prayers.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can trust in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition?
2. How can you distinguish between those who promote violence and those who live in peace?
3. What are some ways that you can cry out to God for deliverance and rescue, as the psalmist does in this chapter?
4. How can you apply the principles of this chapter to your own life and relationships?
5. What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 120

	Sermon	Description
	(Pdf Book) High Way to Victory by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the journey of believers on the 'High Way to Victory,' highlighting the importance of recognizing our need for God, the power of prayer, and the necessity of
	A Plea for Relief Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking help from the Lord in times of trouble. He emphasizes the significance of believing in a Creator and seeing G
	Philippians 4:4-7 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of trials and suffering, emphasizing the peace that comes from prayer, supplication, a
	The Heart Wounded by John MacDuff	John MacDuff preaches on the deep longing of the soul for God, drawing parallels to a wounded deer seeking water in its distress. He discusses the various arrows that wound our spi
	Exposition on Psalm 121 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the importance of seeking help from God, emphasizing that our help comes from Him and His fullness. He urges believers to pray for guidance and protection
	Psalm 120 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on Psalm 120, highlighting the distress caused by slander and the soul's refuge in prayer. He emphasizes that tribulation is inevitable for believers, but prayer
	They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease! by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggle
	2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights
	Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a
	At Terce, Sext and None on Monday by St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of daily recitation of Psalms during specific Hours, starting with Psalms 118 on Sunday and Monday, followed by Psalms 119 to 127 f

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 120

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 120 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and justice, even in the face of evil and opposition. Henry notes that the psalmist's cry for deliverance is a model for our own prayers, as we trust in God's sovereignty and providence to guide and direct the course of events. Henry also highlights the contrast between those who promote violence and those who live in peace, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with God and others. Ultimately, Henry concludes that the chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and justice, and to cry out to Him for deliverance and rescue, as seen in Psalms 120:1-7. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?