Psalm 120: A Song of Ascent

During the winter months, there is a Jewish tradition of studying a special set of psalms - "tehilim" - on Shabbat afternoons. These psalms, #120-#134, are known as the Shir HaMaalot/Songs of Ascent psalms, as that is the first phrase in each psalm.  Each week, one of these psalms will be presented here.  Last week we covered Psalm 104, the Psalm for the New Month, and by far the longest of this group (it also seems to be added on to the sequence of the others).  This week, take a look at Psalm 120, in which David, in exile, complains of having been driven away from King Saul and the court by lies told by other courtiers. 

Lev Shalem: Page 450

Hebrew and English Text

There are many theories about these "Songs of Ascent", including that there were 15 steps from the women's landing at the Temple in Jerusalem up to where men could enter the outer courtyard (and you would say one on each step), and that King Hezekiah put these 15 psalms together in celebration of his being healed of his illness (Isaiah, chapter 38) and getting another 15 years of life.

Psalm 120: A Song of Ascent

In my distress I call to Adoshem; may G-d answer me.

Adoshem, save me from lying lips and deceitful tongues.

What profit, what good, will a deceitful tongue do you—

Warriors’ arrows sharpened with burning coals?

How sorrowful for me that I live in Meshekh,

That I dwell among the tents of Kedar;

That I have been so long among those who hate peace.

I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.