Psalm 120:2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.
Deliver me
The phrase "Deliver me" in Psalm 120:2 is a heartfelt plea for rescue and salvation. The Hebrew root word here is "נָצַל" (natsal), which conveys the idea of being snatched away or rescued from danger. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's intervention in times of distress. The psalmist is expressing a deep reliance on God as the ultimate deliverer, acknowledging that only He has the power to save from peril. This plea reflects a common theme throughout the Psalms, where the faithful turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His ability to provide safety and relief.

from lying lips
The phrase "from lying lips" highlights the specific nature of the psalmist's distress. The Hebrew word for "lying" is "שֶׁקֶר" (sheqer), which means falsehood or deceit. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words held significant power, and false accusations or slander could lead to severe consequences. The psalmist is likely facing malicious gossip or deceitful speech that threatens his reputation or well-being. This plea underscores the destructive nature of lies and the importance of truth, a value deeply rooted in the biblical tradition. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle against falsehood that believers face.

and a deceitful tongue
The phrase "and a deceitful tongue" further emphasizes the psalmist's plight. The Hebrew word for "deceitful" is "רְמִיָּה" (remiyah), which implies treachery or betrayal. The tongue, as a symbol of speech, is portrayed as an instrument of harm when used deceitfully. In the biblical context, the tongue's power is acknowledged in both its potential for good and evil, as seen in James 3:5-6, where it is described as a small part of the body that can cause great destruction. The psalmist's cry for deliverance from a deceitful tongue reflects a desire for protection from those who would use their words to harm or manipulate. This plea resonates with the broader biblical call to uphold truth and integrity in all forms of communication.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 120, traditionally attributed to David, who is crying out to God for deliverance from deceitful people.

2. Lying Lips and Deceitful Tongue
Represents those who spread falsehoods and engage in deceit, causing harm to the psalmist.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, whom the psalmist calls upon for deliverance and protection.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech and seek God's help in speaking truth.

God as Deliverer
In times of distress caused by deceit, we can turn to God, who is our ultimate deliverer and protector.

The Importance of Truth
Living a life of integrity and truthfulness is essential for a believer, reflecting the character of God.

Prayer as a Response to Injustice
When faced with false accusations or deceit, our first response should be to seek God's intervention through prayer.

Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
We must be vigilant against deceit, both from others and within ourselves, by immersing ourselves in God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the psalmist's plea for deliverance from deceitful speech relate to the challenges we face in today's world?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our own speech aligns with the truth and integrity that God desires?

3. How can we apply the principles found in James 3:5-8 to our daily interactions with others?

4. What steps can we take to seek God's deliverance when we are affected by the lies or deceit of others?

5. How does understanding God's hatred for lying, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, influence our approach to truthfulness in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 6:16-19
This passage lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue, which connects to the psalmist's plea for deliverance from deceit.

James 3:5-8
Discusses the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction, highlighting the need for divine help in controlling it.

Ephesians 4:25
Encourages believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, aligning with the psalmist's desire for deliverance from lies.
Lying LipsR. Newton, D. D.Psalm 120:2
The Misery Made by the UntruthfulR. Tuck Psalm 120:1, 2
A Good Man with Bad NeighboursHomilistPsalm 120:1-7
In Mesech and KedarS. Conway Psalm 120:1-7
The Songs of DegreesE. J. Robinson.Psalm 120:1-7
Uncongenial SocietyJ. O. Keen, D. D.Psalm 120:1-7
People
Kedar, Mesech, Meshech, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
FALSE, Deceitful, Deliver, Lip, Lips, Lying, O, Saviour, Soul, Tongue, Tongues
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 120:2

     5164   lips

Psalm 120:1-2

     5951   slander

Psalm 120:2-3

     5193   tongue

Library
Epistle Lxxviii. To Barbara and Antonina .
To Barbara and Antonina [186] . Gregory to Barbara, &c. On receiving your epistles, I was in all manner of ways delighted to hear of your well being, and I entreat Almighty God that He would guard you by His protection from malignant spirits in thought, and from perverse men, and from all contrariety; and that He would, with the grace of His fear, settle you in unions worthy of you, and cause us all to rejoice in your settlement [187] . But do you, most sweet daughters, rest your hope on His help,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life
"My Son, let not the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me break thee down, nor let tribulations cast thee down in any wise, but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in every event. I am sufficient to reward thee above all measure and extent. Not long shalt thou labour here, nor always be weighed down with sorrows. Wait yet a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils. An hour shall come when all labour and confusion shall cease. Little and short is all that passeth
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Question Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh.
16. (10). At that time an episcopal see was vacant,[321] and had long been vacant, because Malachy would not assent: for they had elected him to it.[322] But they persisted, and at length he yielded when their entreaties were enforced by the command of his teacher,[323] together with that of the metropolitan.[324] It was when he was just entering the thirtieth year of his age,[325] that he was consecrated bishop and brought to Connor; for that was the name of the city through ignorance of Irish ecclesiastical
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 120:2 NIV
Psalm 120:2 NLT
Psalm 120:2 ESV
Psalm 120:2 NASB
Psalm 120:2 KJV

Psalm 120:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 120:1
Top of Page
Top of Page