Psalm 120

A Bible Devotion from Psalm 120

Glowing Coals of the Broom Tree

1 In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!

5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
Psalm 120, NKJV

Psalm 120 deals with a very familiar theme in the Psalms, and one which we face every day. What is the true nature of the non-Christians around us, and how do we deal with them?

The Psalmist is clearly distressed; he is surrounded by lying and deceitful tongues. Notice that the first thing he does is to call out to the Lord for help. Unfortunately, as Christians we often times regard prayer as the last resort rather than the first place we should go for help. Why should we go to Him first? Because, He answers us!

We all know the damage that can be done to us and to those around us by those who are consumed with lying and deceit; if they are believed by others, we certainly feel the pain of those sharp arrows. But, the Psalmist understands true reality when he says, What will He do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? He understands that God will truly bring justice upon those people, and illustrates that truth by painting the picture of a warrior's sharp arrows, and burning coals (represented by the bright yellow flowers of this bush) of the broom tree.

We hear a lot of talk in our day of world peace; will that ever happen on this side of eternity? Like the Psalmist, we understand that there are too many in this world who hate peace. True resolution (peace) will never come as long as the world is filled with sin. From the Bible we know that sin will always dwell in us, and without Christ will consume us. The only remedy for sin, war, and hatred all around us will come to pass when God consumes this world with fire, delivers the wicked to their eternal damnation, and transports His people to Heaven and the new earth He creates.

Pray today that you, like the Psalmist of the 120th Psalm, will understand the true state of all non-believers around you, and cry out to God for help (and for their salvation) when you are weary of their deceits and lies.

Next: Psalm 121 - The Lord Is Your Keeper

Another Devotion on the 120th Psalm from my blog, Daily Bible Devotions.

They Are for War, verses 1-7