Psalms 120:5 meaning
In a poignant expression of despair, the psalmist laments his living situation among deceitful and warlike neighbors in a land far from peace. Often identified as an alien in hostile surroundings, he feels the weight of injustice and strife that pervades his environment. This lament emphasizes the distress of being surrounded by those who thrive on conflict and hostility, embodying the spiritual and emotional exile felt by many believers today.
The psalmist's reference to living among "Mesech" and "Kedar" not only highlights geographical distance but also symbolizes a profound moral and spiritual estrangement. Mesech represents a barbarous nation, while Kedar—home to nomadic tribes—encounters Israel in times of strife, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the righteous surrounded by corruption. His expression of longing for peace resonates with New Testament teachings on reconciliation and harmony (Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:11), showing that God's people are often caught in the tension between their values and their environment.
Thus, “Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! My soul has long dwelt with him who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalms 120:5-7).
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Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 4:5-7 meaning. For the second temptation, the devil takes Jesus to the top of God’s Temple in Jerusalem and tells Him to jump. The devil argues that this will publicly proclaim Jesus’s identity as the Divine Messiah.
- Psalm 31:19-22 meaning. David praises the LORD for His goodness in how He marvelously rescued him from his enemies and for the great reward which God blessed him with because he was faithful. This portion of Psalm 31 is prophetic of how God miraculously rescued Jesus from His enemies and greatly exalted Him for His obedience unto death.
- Genesis 10:1-5 meaning. After the flood, the world begins to repopulate. Japheth had seven sons. His eldest Gomer had three sons and Javan had four sons. These families moved north, some settling in coastlands.
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