TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 120:1–4. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here 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 those that sought his ruin, and had almost effected it, by lying.
(1.)By telling lies to him. They flattered him with professions and protestations of friendships, and promises of kindness and service to him, that they might the more securely and without suspicion carry on their designs against him, and might have an opportunity, by betraying his counsels, to do him a mischief. They smiled in his face and kissed him, even when they were aiming to smite him under the fifth rib. The most dangerous enemies, and those which it is most hard to guard against, are such as carry on their malicious designs under the colour of friendship. The Lord deliver every good man from such lying lips.
(2.)By telling lies of him. They forged false accusations against him and laid to his charge things that he knew not. This has often been the lot not only of the innocent, but of the excellent ones, of the earth, who have been greatly distressed by lying lips, and have not only had their names blackened and made odious by calumnies in conversation, but their lives, and all that is dear to them in this world, endangered by false-witness-bearing in judgment. David was herein a type of Christ, who was distressed by lying lips and deceitful tongues.
2.In this distress he had recourse to God by faithful and fervent prayer: I cried unto the Lord. Having no fence against false tongues, he appealed to him who has all men's hearts in his hand, who has power over the consciences of bad men, and can, when he pleases, bridle their tongues. His prayer was, "Deliver my soul, O Lord! from lying lips, that my enemies may not by these cursed methods work my ruin." He that had prayed so earnestly to be kept from lying (Psa 119:29) and hated it so heartily in himself (Psa 119:163) might with the more confidence pray to be kept from being belied by others, and from the ill consequences of it.
3.He obtained a gracious answer to this prayer. God heard him; so that his enemies, though they carried their designs very far, were baffled at last, and could not prevail to do him the mischief they intended. The God of truth is, and will be, the protector of his people from lying lips, Psa 37:6.
II.The doom of a false tongue foretold by faith, Psa 120:3, Psa 120:4.
As God will preserve his people from this mischievous generation, so he will reckon with their enemies, Psa 12:3, Psa 12:7. The threatening is addressed to the sinner himself, for the awakening of his conscience, if he have any left: "Consider what shall be given unto thee, and what shall be done unto thee, by the righteous Judge of heaven and earth, thou false tongue." Surely sinners durst not do as they do if they knew, and would be persuaded to think, what will be in the end thereof. Let liars consider what shall be given to them: Sharp arrows of the Almighty, with coals of juniper, that is, they will fall and lie for ever under the wrath of God, and will be made miserable by the tokens of his displeasure, which will fly swiftly like arrows, and will strike the sinner ere he is aware and when he sees not who hurts him. This is threatened against liars, Psa 64:7. God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. They set God at a distance from them, but from afar his arrows can reach them. They are sharp arrows, and arrows of the mighty, the Almighty; for they will pierce through the strongest armour and strike deep into the hardest heart. The terrors of the Lord are his arrows (Job 6:4), and his wrath is compared to burning coals of juniper, which do not flame or crackle, like thorns under a pot, but have a vehement heat, and keep fire very long (some say, a year round) even when they seem to be gone out. This is the portion of the false tongue; for all that love and make a lie shall have their portion in the lake that burns eternally, Rev 22:15.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And your Lord says unto you, "What shall be given you, or what shall be set before you, against the deceitful tongue?" [Psalm 120:3]. What shall be given you, that is, as a weapon to oppose to the deceitful tongue, to guard yourself against the deceitful tongue? "Or what shall be set before you?" He asks to try you: for He will answer His own question. For He answers following up his own inquiry, "even sharp arrows of the Mighty One, with coals that desolate, or that lay waste" [Psalm 120:4]. They that desolate, or that lay waste (for it is variously written in different copies), are the same, because by laying waste, as you may observe, they easily lead unto desolation. What are these coals? First, beloved brethren, understand what are arrows. The "sharp arrows of the Mighty One," are the words of God...What then are the "coals that lay waste?" It is not enough to plead with words against a deceitful tongue and unrighteous lips: it is not enough to plead with words; we must plead with examples also...The word coals, then, is used to express the examples of many sinners converted to the Lord. Thou hear men wonder, and say, I knew that man, how addicted he was to drinking, what a villain, what a lover of the circus, or of the amphitheatre, what a cheat: now how he serves God, how innocent he has become! Wonder not; he is a live coal. You rejoice that he is alive, whom you were mourning as dead. But when you praise the living, if you know how to praise, apply him to the dead, that he may be inflamed; whosoever is still slow to follow God, apply to him the coal which was extinguished, and have the arrow of God's word, and the coal that lays waste, that you may meet the deceitful tongue and the lying lips.
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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. Having voiced his anguish and posed a rhetorical question about the ultimate fate of such deceitful speakers in Psalm 120:3, 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, Leviticus 19:16). 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. 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What is the significance of the "mighty" in this verse?
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?
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?
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, 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), 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. 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).
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). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "Mighty One" (Isaiah 9:6), who will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge (Revelation 19:11). 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). 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.