A song of ascents.

Psalms 120-134 are called “the psalms of ascents.” A better name would be “the songs of the pilgrim caravans.” These pilgrimage songs were sung when Israel traveled upwards to Jerusalem (usually in caravans) during the Jewish feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Four of these songs were attributed to David. Solomon wrote one of these songs. The other ten songs are anonymous. The author of Psalm 120 is unknown.

120:1 In my distress I cried out to the Lord and he answered me. 

The psalmist began his pilgrimage to one of the Jewish festivals. He is in trouble. He prayed and the Lord answered him.

120:2 I said, “O Lord, rescue me from those who lie with their lips and those who deceive with their tongue. 

The psalmist asked Jehovah to save him from evil men who were slandering him.

120:3 How will he severely punish you, you deceptive talker? 

The psalmist informed his enemies that Jehovah would punish them.

120:4 Here’s how! With the sharp arrows of warriors, with arrowheads forged over the hot coals. 

Jehovah will punish these slanderers with sharp arrows, meaning that they will most likely die in battle.

120:5 How miserable I am! For I have lived temporarily in Meshech; I have resided among the tents of Kedar. 

The psalmist was living temporarily in enemy Gentile territory, Meschech is modern Moscow. The tents of Kedar were the Ishmaelites, who are the modern Arabian tribes. The psalmist began his journey to Jerusalem from these two areas.

120:6 For too long I have had to reside with those who hate peace. 

The Gentiles who were living in Moscow and Arabia did not want peace with the Jews.

120:7 I am committed to peace, but when I speak, they want to make war.

The psalmist desired peace, but the anti-Semitism of Moscow and Arabia did not want peace with the Jews.