A Pilgrim’s Cry for Deliverance in a World of Falsehood (Psalm 120) | Charles Spurgeon

Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 120Charles Spurgeon's commentary on Psalm 120 explores its role as the first of the Songs of Degrees, or Pilgrim Psalms, which were likely sung by Israelites traveling to the house of God in Jerusalem. The psalm is widely believed to be David's lament against the slander of Doeg the Edomite, whose false betrayal caused David intense and permanent distress. The central theme of this text revolves around the deep pain caused by malicious slander and the believer's necessary recourse to God in the face of such persecution.In the opening verse, the psalmist emphasizes that in times of agonizing distress caused by calumny, the wisest response is to cry out to the Lord. Slander is described as a helpless affliction, sharper than a sword, making prayer the believer's only true shield against a liar's tongue. The psalmist specifically pleads for deliverance from lying lips and deceitful tongues, viewing these false speakers as venomous, murderous, and deeply destructive.The commentary also highlights the severe divine punishment awaiting slanderers. The psalmist questions what reward a false tongue will receive, answering with the imagery of sharp arrows of the mighty and coals of juniper. The sharp arrows represent God's swift and piercing judgment, while the coals of juniper, known for retaining heat for a very long time, symbolize the fierce and enduring nature of divine wrath.Finally, the psalmist expresses deep sorrow over his living conditions, comparing his deceitful neighbors to Mesech and Kedar, which were historically fierce and warlike barbaric tribes. Despite the psalmist being a man of peace and speaking with kindness, his enemies constantly seek conflict. This enduring struggle against peace-haters ultimately foreshadows the trials of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who also faced relentless hostility from those who desired war.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730