UNROLL
A wide gray-brown steppe under plain overcast cloud, one low black tent far off and a thin foot track leading away from it toward a faint line of hills.

Song of ascents

Psalm 120

Fifteen songs climb to Jerusalem. The first one starts a long way from home, worn out by people who lie.

7 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

  1. 1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
  2. 42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressure
  3. 73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
  4. 90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
  5. 107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last HallelujahPsalm 120

In My Distress I Cried to the LORD

A song of ascents.

In my distress I cried to the LORD,

and He answered me.

Psalm 120:1

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

In a narrow village lane two men stand close, one speaking behind his hand into the other's ear, both glancing at a third man walking away.

Deliver my soul, O LORD,

from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.

What will He do to you,

and what will be added to you,

O deceitful tongue?

Sharp arrows will come from the warrior,

with burning coals of the broom tree!

A moonlit camp of long black tents on a pale gravel plain, one small man sitting outside the last tent, wrapped in his cloak, turned away from the camp.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,

that I live among the tents of Kedar!

Too long have I dwelt

among those who hate peace.

0:08

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

I am in favor of peace;

but when I speak, they want war.

Fifteen songs up

Far fromhome120The hills121The gates122The long climb123–131The promise132Together133Night inthe house134

Whiteboard

Fifteen short songs, one road. It starts among liars and ends with servants awake in the house of the LORD.

Pray

Pray it

Is someone wearing you down with what they say? Tell the LORD about it, as this pilgrim does. Then take one step toward Him.

You’ve experienced

Psalm 120

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

Psalm 120:1

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