Psalms 120:4

KJV

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sharp {H8150} arrows {H2671} of the mighty {H1368}, with coals {H1513} of juniper {H7574}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A warrior's sharp arrows, with red-hot coals from a broom tree.

Berean Standard Bible

Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!

American Standard Version

Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 120:4 powerfully articulates the severe and inescapable divine judgment awaiting those who engage in deceitful speech and slander. Through the potent imagery of "sharp arrows of the mighty" and "coals of juniper," the verse underscores God's righteous indignation against falsehood, assuring the righteous that malicious words will not go unpunished. Instead, they will invite swift, piercing, and intensely consuming retribution from the Almighty, demonstrating the certainty and severity of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 120 serves as the inaugural psalm in the revered collection known as the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a series traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. The psalmist opens this particular psalm with a heartfelt lament and an urgent plea for deliverance from the profound distress caused by "lying lips" and a "deceitful tongue" as expressed in [Psalm 120:2](/psalms/120-2 "Psalm 120:2 - Deliverance from Lying Lips"). Having voiced his anguish and posed a rhetorical question about the ultimate fate of such deceitful speakers in [Psalm 120:3](/psalms/120-3 "Psalm 120:3 - What Shall Be Given to You, Deceitful Tongue?"), verse 4 provides the chilling and definitive answer. It transitions from the psalmist's personal suffering and question to a universal principle of divine justice, serving as a powerful declaration of the certain and severe consequences that await those who employ falsehood.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, reputation and honor were paramount, and malicious speech could inflict profound damage, often more devastating than physical harm. Slander, false witness, and deceit were explicitly condemned in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - False Report Forbidden"), [Leviticus 19:16](/leviticus/19-16 "Leviticus 19:16 - Do Not Slander")). The imagery of "arrows" was a common motif for swift destruction or judgment in warfare, signifying an unescapable and decisive strike. "Coals of juniper" (specifically the broom tree, *Retama raetam*, common in desert regions like the Judean wilderness) held particular significance. This wood was widely known for its ability to produce intensely hot and remarkably long-lasting embers, making it a preferred fuel for desert travelers. Its enduring heat made it a potent symbol of prolonged, consuming, and difficult-to-extinguish judgment. The pilgrim's journey to Jerusalem would often take them through such landscapes, rendering the imagery viscerally relatable and impactful.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution**, asserting God's active role as a righteous judge who will not tolerate injustice, particularly the insidious evil of malicious speech. It reassures the faithful that deceit will ultimately face God's certain and severe response, as seen in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates"). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Deceit**, emphasizing that words, though intangible, carry immense power and can inflict deep, lasting wounds, thereby inviting divine wrath. The Bible consistently warns against the destructive power of the tongue, as articulated in [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5-6 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue"). Finally, for those suffering under the weight of false accusations or slander, the verse offers profound **Justice Assured**, affirming that God sees all injustice and will ultimately act as the supreme arbiter, bringing comfort and vindication to the oppressed, echoing the sentiment found in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sharp (Hebrew, _shânan'_ H8150):** This primitive root means "to point" or "to pierce," and intensively, "to whet." In this context, it emphasizes the precision, penetrating force, and readiness of the arrows. It speaks to the keenness and effectiveness of the divine judgment, indicating that it is not dull or ineffective but designed to inflict deep, painful, and decisive impact.
* **Arrows (Hebrew, _chêts'_ H2671):** This word properly means "a piercer," referring to an arrow or dart. It can also imply a wound or, figuratively, a thunderbolt from God. Here, "arrows" symbolize swift, sudden, and destructive instruments of judgment. They are launched from a distance, strike unexpectedly, and are designed to inflict immediate and severe damage, representing the direct and inescapable nature of God's retribution.
* **Juniper (Hebrew, _rethem'_ H7574):** This term specifically denotes the broom tree (*Retama raetam*), a common shrub in the deserts of the Near East. Its wood is renowned for producing exceptionally hot and long-lasting coals, far superior to other woods for retaining heat. This quality makes it a potent symbol for a punishment that is not only severe and painful but also prolonged, consuming, and difficult to extinguish, emphasizing the enduring nature of the consequences for persistent deceit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sharp arrows of the mighty":** This clause vividly portrays the nature of the impending judgment. "Sharp arrows" symbolize swift, piercing, and destructive retribution. Arrows are launched from a distance, strike suddenly, and inflict deep, painful wounds. The addition of "of the mighty" (Hebrew: _gibbôwr_, referring to God Himself or His irresistible agents of judgment) underscores the omnipotence and unerring aim of this divine response. It signifies a judgment that is precise, unavoidable, and designed to inflict decisive pain upon the deceitful, emanating from an unchallengeable source.
* **"with coals of juniper":** This second clause intensifies the imagery of judgment, adding the dimension of consuming fire and prolonged suffering. "Coals of juniper" signify an intensely hot and enduring punishment. Unlike quick, fleeting pain, the heat of these coals suggests a deep, burning, and persistent consequence that consumes and purifies, much like fire refines or destroys. This dual imagery of piercing arrows and burning coals communicates a comprehensive and devastating judgment that affects both the immediate and the enduring state of the one judged.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 120:4 employs powerful **Metaphor** and vivid **Imagery** to convey its message of divine judgment. The "sharp arrows of the mighty" serve as a metaphor for swift, precise, and destructive divine retribution, akin to a warrior's unerring strike. This is powerfully complemented by the **Metaphor** of "coals of juniper," which symbolizes an intensely hot, consuming, and prolonged punishment. The choice of juniper is a specific and impactful piece of **Imagery**, leveraging the known properties of this wood to evoke a sense of enduring, inescapable heat and destruction. The combination of these two distinct but complementary images creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** of swift impact and lingering consequence. The verse's use of such potent and visceral imagery serves to amplify the seriousness of the sin of deceitful speech and the certainty and severity of God's response, creating a sense of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of the divine wrath and its comprehensive reach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 120:4 stands as a stark reminder of God's uncompromising justice and the profound seriousness with which He views the sin of malicious speech. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of injustice, particularly when it involves the destructive power of the tongue. The imagery of "sharp arrows" and "coals of juniper" underscores that divine judgment is both swift and consuming, a righteous response to the insidious nature of falsehood that tears down individuals and communities. This verse assures the oppressed that their cries are heard and that the Lord, who is a God of truth, will ultimately vindicate them by bringing just recompense upon those who speak lies. It emphasizes that while human justice may fail, divine justice is certain and inescapable, serving as a powerful deterrent against slander and an encouragement for those who suffer from it, reinforcing the biblical principle that God will bring every word into account.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36-37 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Accountability for Every Careless Word")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, Never Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 120:4 serves as both a solemn warning and a profound source of comfort for believers today. In a world saturated with misinformation, gossip, and character assassination, this verse powerfully reminds us of the gravity of our words. It calls us to a radical self-examination of our speech, urging us to consider the eternal weight of every careless or malicious word we utter. We are challenged to use our tongues not for destruction, but for building up, for truth-telling, and for the glory of God, recognizing that our words reflect the condition of our hearts. For those who have been the victims of slander, false accusations, or malicious gossip, this verse offers deep solace. It reaffirms that God is a righteous and active Judge who sees every injustice and will ultimately bring about perfect retribution. We are not called to take vengeance into our own hands, but to trust in the Lord's perfect timing and unwavering commitment to justice, finding peace in the assurance that He will repay. This understanding should empower us to forgive, to pray for our enemies, and to rest in the sovereign hand of God, knowing He is our ultimate vindicator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "sharp arrows" and "coals of juniper" challenge my understanding of the consequences of deceitful speech?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to use my words to harm or deceive, even subtly, in my daily interactions?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the power of my tongue and intentionally use it for truth, grace, and building up others?**
* **If I have been a victim of slander or false accusations, how does the assurance of God's justice in this verse bring me comfort and encourage me to trust Him with my pain and desire for vindication?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "mighty" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mighty" (Hebrew: _gibbôwr_, though often understood collectively or as referring to God) in Psalms 120:4 most likely refers to God Himself, emphasizing His supreme power and authority as the ultimate Judge. While the term can refer to human warriors or heroes, in the context of divine judgment against deceit, it points to an irresistible, divine force. This highlights that the judgment is not from human adversaries but from the sovereign Lord, whose arrows of justice are unerring and whose coals of retribution are inescapable. It underscores the divine origin and overwhelming nature of the punishment for malicious speech, assuring that no one can stand against His righteous wrath.

**Why is "juniper" specifically mentioned for the coals?**

Answer: The "juniper" (Hebrew: _rethem_, referring to the broom tree) is specifically mentioned because its wood is renowned in the desert regions for producing intensely hot and remarkably long-lasting coals. Unlike other woods that burn out quickly, the coals from the broom tree can retain their heat for an extended period, even overnight. This specific detail is not arbitrary; it symbolizes a punishment that is not merely swift but also deeply penetrating, consuming, and enduring. It emphasizes the severity and prolonged nature of the divine consequences for persistent deceit, suggesting a judgment that burns deeply and leaves lasting effects, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's justice.

**Does this verse imply a literal, physical punishment for those who lie?**

Answer: While the imagery is vivid and drawn from physical realities (arrows, burning coals), the verse primarily conveys a spiritual and eschatological truth about divine justice rather than prescribing a literal, immediate physical punishment for every instance of lying. It speaks to the certainty and severity of God's judgment against deceitful speech, which can manifest in various forms, including spiritual consequences, loss of favor, relational brokenness, or ultimate condemnation. The "sharp arrows" and "coals of juniper" are powerful metaphors for the pain, destruction, and consuming nature of God's righteous wrath against falsehood. The Bible consistently teaches that God is the ultimate judge, and He will bring every word into account, as seen in [Matthew 12:36](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36 - Every Careless Word"), ensuring that no deceit goes unaddressed in His perfect justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 120:4, with its stark imagery of divine judgment against deceit, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. While the psalm warns of God's righteous wrath against lying lips, Christ embodies the very **Truth** of God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - The Way, the Truth, and the Life")), exposing all falsehood and deceit by His very presence. He is the one against whom the sharp arrows of divine justice were ultimately aimed, not for His own sin, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). On the cross, Jesus endured the consuming "coals of juniper"—the full, fiery wrath of God—that was due to humanity for all its sins, including the destructive power of our tongues ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin")).

For those who are in Christ, the judgment symbolized by the arrows and coals has already been satisfied in Him. We are no longer under the condemnation for our deceitful words, but are given new hearts and empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak truth in love ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "Mighty One" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), who will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")). On that day, those who persist in deceit and reject His truth will face the full, unmitigated judgment foreshadowed in this psalm, experiencing the "sharp arrows" and "coals of juniper" of eternal separation from God ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart from Me, You Cursed")). Thus, Psalm 120:4 not only warns of judgment but also points to the one who bore that judgment for us, offering grace and calling us to live in the truth He embodies.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:9

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

Proverbs 18:21

¶ Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 19:5

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

Psalms 45:5

Thine arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; [whereby] the people fall under thee.

Proverbs 16:27

¶ An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.