Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Some think these words describe lying lips, and a false tongue; which are like arrows, sharp ones, sent out from a bow drawn with a mighty hand, which come with great force, suddenly and swiftly, and do much mischief; see Ps 11:2; and to "coals of juniper", very distressing and tormenting; the tongue being a fire, set on fire of hell, and sets on fire the course of nature; and throws out devouring words, which consume like fire, Jas 3:6.
Bible Commentary
Psalms 120:4
Psalms 120:4
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain
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Psalms 120 — OverviewPsalms 120 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm is the first of those fifteen which are here put together
under the title of "songs of degrees." It is well that it is not
material what the meaning of that title should be, for nothing is
offered…Psalms 120 — OverviewPsalms 120 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 120:1, David prays against Doeg; Psalms 120:3, reproves his tongue; Psalms 120:5, complains of his necessary conversation with the wicked. Bp. Patrick and others suppose this Psalm to have been composed by David,…Psalms 120 — OverviewPsalms 120 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSong of degrees. This psalm, and the fourteen following, are called "songs of degrees", or "ascents" ; for what reason it is not easy to say. Some think it refers to the music of them, and that this is the name of the…Psalms 120:1-4Psalms 120:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere is, I. Deliverance from a false tongue obtained by prayer. David
records his own experience of this.
1. He was brought into distress, into great distress, by lying lips and
a deceitful tongue. There were…Psalms 120:1-7Psalms 120:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION
THE SONGS OF ASCENTS.
THE next fifteen psalms have a common heading, which is translated "Songs of Degrees," "Songs of Ascents," or "Songs of Steps." They constitute together "a Little Psalter," which…Psalms 120:1-7Psalms 120:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe perversion of power, etc.
This psalm, though "a difference of opinion exists respecting the interpretation of almost every verse and word of it," may suggest valuable thoughts upon—
I. THE PERVERSION OF POWER. It…