Psalms 120

A song of degrees] or ascensions, heights, or excellencies. This, and the fourteene Psalmes following, have this Title prefixed. The meaning whereof is variously conjectured; As thus, That they were to be sung with a loud voice, as 1 Chron. XV. 16. Or, upon the steps and degrees of the staires ascending to the Court of the people, or to that of the Priests, which, they say, were fifteene in number, according to these number of these Psalms. Or, in the coming of the Ark into the Temple. Or in their returne out of Babylon. Or to be sung in their returne into their own land in the time of the Messias. Others have other conjectures; yet without any certaine determination; neither is it much material. Of these, four bear Davids title, and some of the rest not unlikely were penned by him.

Psalms 120:1

I] David likely.

Psalms 120:2

from lying lips] Of such as falsely accused him to Saul. 1 Sam. XXIV. 9. and chap. XXVI. 19.

Psalms 120:3

what shall be given] What good or profit shalt thou get or gaine by it.

Psalms 120:4

sharp arrowes] Such is a false tongue: or, such are the plagues God will render as a reward unto it.

Psalms 120:5

Woe is me] Laments, that in his exile he was forced to dwell so long with the cruel and barbarous posterity of Mesech, the sonne of Japhet, Gen. X. 2. and of Kedar, the sonne of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. or rather, with men of like evil cruel conditions to them.