Psalms 120:7

KJV

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am for peace {H7965}: but when I speak {H1696}, they are for war {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am all for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Berean Standard Bible

I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.

American Standard Version

I amforpeace: But when I speak, they are for war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 120:7 poignantly concludes the first "Song of Ascents," capturing the profound personal declaration of a psalmist dedicated to peace amidst a world intent on conflict. This verse articulates the deep frustration and isolation experienced by one who actively pursues harmony and reconciliation, only to be met with aggression and a desire for strife from those around them. It highlights the stark and painful contrast between the psalmist's heart for *shalom* and the persistent hostility of their adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 120 initiates the collection known as the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a series of fifteen psalms traditionally believed to have been sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). This particular psalm sets a somber tone for the collection, beginning with a cry of distress from the psalmist, who feels surrounded by "lying lips" and "deceitful tongues" ([Psalms 120:2](/psalms/120-2 "Psalms 120:2 - Deliverance from Deceit")). The preceding verses lament the psalmist's prolonged dwelling "among those who hate peace" ([Psalms 120:6](/psalms/120-6 "Psalms 120:6 - Dwelling Among Those Who Hate Peace")), specifically mentioning "Meshech" and "Kedar," which serve as symbolic representations of distant, hostile, and uncivilized peoples. This sustained experience of animosity culminates in the personal, declarative statement of verse 7, which underscores the psalmist's unwavering commitment to peace despite constant opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The references to "Meshech" and "Kedar" are significant. Meshech was an ancient people group often associated with the region of modern-day Turkey, known for their martial prowess and distant location. Kedar was a nomadic Arab tribe, frequently depicted in the Old Testament as dwelling in tents and engaging in raiding, symbolizing wilderness and hostility. These names likely function here not as literal geographic locations where the psalmist physically resided, but as archetypes of hostile, aggressive, and uncivilized peoples, representing the pervasive nature of conflict in the world. The psalmist's lament reflects the common experience of ancient Israel, which frequently faced external threats and internal strife, making the longing for *shalom* (peace, wholeness, well-being) a deeply felt and often elusive aspiration in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Peacemaker's Heart**, demonstrating a profound personal commitment to tranquility and reconciliation, a core biblical value encapsulated in the concept of *shalom*. Secondly, it starkly portrays **The Reality of Hostility**, acknowledging that despite sincere efforts, not all people desire or respond to peace, revealing the persistent presence of conflict in a fallen world. This resonates with the prophetic understanding of a world groaning under the weight of sin, where true peace remains an eschatological hope ([Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")). Finally, the verse underscores **The Frustration of Misunderstanding**, implying a painful disconnect where the psalmist's words of peace are interpreted or received as provocations for conflict by adversaries, emphasizing the profound challenge of communicating across deep-seated animosity and the burden of being misrepresented, a theme echoed in the life of many prophets ([Jeremiah 20:8](/jeremiah/20-8 "Jeremiah 20:8 - Jeremiah's Complaint")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (*shalom*) is far more expansive than the English "peace." It signifies not merely the absence of conflict, but a holistic state of completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, harmony, and flourishing in all aspects of life—physical, spiritual, and communal. When the psalmist declares "I am for peace," it expresses a deep desire for this comprehensive state of flourishing, a commitment to fostering an environment of wholeness and reconciliation.
* **War (Hebrew, _milchamah'_):** The Hebrew word מִלְחָמָה (*milchamah*) directly contrasts with *shalom*. It denotes armed conflict, battle, and destruction. Its use here emphasizes the stark opposition to the psalmist's peaceful intentions, representing a state of discord, fragmentation, and active hostility that seeks to disrupt and destroy the very *shalom* the psalmist desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I [am for] peace":** This is a powerful, personal declaration by the psalmist. The Hebrew phrase literally translates to "I peace," emphasizing a complete identification with the concept of peace. It's not merely a desire for peace, but a fundamental orientation of the psalmist's being. They embody and advocate for *shalom*, making it their personal mission and disposition.
* **"but when I speak":** This clause introduces the point of interaction and conflict. The psalmist's "speaking" implies an attempt at communication, reconciliation, or the articulation of their peaceful stance. It suggests an active effort to bridge divides or express their intentions, perhaps offering terms of peace or simply expressing their longing for harmony.
* **"they [are] for war":** In stark contrast to the psalmist's disposition, the "they" (referring to the hostile individuals or groups mentioned in preceding verses) are fundamentally oriented towards conflict. Despite the psalmist's peaceful words or intentions, their adversaries interpret them through a lens of hostility, or simply choose to escalate rather than de-escalate. This highlights the futility of the psalmist's efforts in the face of an unyielding desire for strife from the other party.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or sharp **Juxtaposition**, which creates a dramatic contrast between the psalmist's internal disposition ("I [am for] peace") and the external reality ("they [are] for war"). This opposition highlights the profound chasm between the two parties and the tragic irony of a peacemaker being met with aggression. The personal pronoun "I" set against the collective "they" further emphasizes this stark division. There is also an element of **Pathos**, as the verse evokes a deep sense of frustration, isolation, and weariness from the psalmist, who is caught in an unresolvable conflict despite their best efforts. The brevity and directness of the statements also contribute to their impact, making the declaration feel raw and deeply personal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 120:7 profoundly illustrates the tension between the divine call to pursue peace and the harsh reality of a fallen world resistant to it. The biblical concept of *shalom* is not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of well-being, justice, and flourishing that God desires for His creation. Yet, humanity's sin often leads to discord, strife, and a preference for conflict over reconciliation. This verse speaks to the enduring struggle of God's people to live out their calling as peacemakers in a contentious world, echoing the experiences of prophets and apostles who faced hostility for their message of peace and righteousness. It reminds us that while our efforts towards peace are commanded, their ultimate success often lies beyond human control, requiring divine intervention and a transformed heart.

* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably with All")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - The Beatitude for Peacemakers")
* [James 3:18](/james/3-18 "James 3:18 - The Harvest of Righteousness Sown in Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 120:7 offers profound solace and understanding for anyone who has earnestly striven for peace—whether in personal relationships, within communities, or on a broader scale—only to be met with resistance, aggression, or outright hostility. It validates the emotional toll of such experiences, acknowledging the weariness and frustration that come from being a peacemaker in a war-torn world. This verse reminds us that our call is to pursue peace with all people, as far as it depends on us, even when others choose conflict or misinterpret our intentions. It encourages perseverance in our commitment to *shalom*, recognizing that true and lasting peace ultimately originates from God, who is the ultimate source of all wholeness and reconciliation. Our hope is not solely in human efforts or the cooperation of adversaries, but in the sovereign God who works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like the psalmist, striving for peace but met with resistance?**
* **How does the biblical concept of *shalom* challenge your understanding of peace beyond just the absence of conflict?**
* **What is the emotional or spiritual cost of being a peacemaker in a contentious environment, and how do you process that?**
* **How can you continue to pursue peace, even when your efforts are misunderstood or rejected, relying on God as the ultimate source of peace?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that the psalmist is "for peace" but "they are for war"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a fundamental and painful dichotomy. "I [am for] peace" (literally "I peace") signifies the psalmist's deep, personal orientation and commitment to *shalom*—a holistic state of well-being, harmony, and flourishing. It's a declaration of their character and desire. In contrast, "they [are] for war" means that the adversaries are fundamentally oriented towards conflict, strife, and destruction. Despite the psalmist's efforts or declarations of peace, their opponents are predisposed to hostility, choosing aggression over reconciliation. It underscores the tragic reality that not everyone desires peace, and some actively prefer or pursue conflict.

**How can I be a peacemaker when my efforts are consistently rejected or met with hostility?**

Answer: The psalmist's lament in [Psalms 120:7](/psalms/120-7 "Psalms 120:7 - The Peacemaker's Frustration") acknowledges this very challenge. While we are called to be peacemakers ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")), the Bible also recognizes that not all will respond to peace. The key is to fulfill your part, as [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably") instructs: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." This means maintaining a heart for peace, speaking words of peace, and pursuing reconciliation where possible, even when others choose conflict. Your responsibility is to embody *shalom*, not necessarily to guarantee its acceptance by others. Ultimately, your hope for true peace rests in God, who is the ultimate source of *shalom*, rather than solely on human efforts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 120:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's lament of being "for peace" while surrounded by those "for war" perfectly foreshadows the earthly ministry of the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"). Jesus came embodying *shalom*, offering reconciliation and wholeness to a broken world, yet He was met with unparalleled hostility and rejection. His message was one of peace with God and peace among humanity, as proclaimed by the angels at His birth ([Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the Highest")). Despite His perfect life and sinless pursuit of peace, He was continually opposed by "lying lips and deceitful tongues" ([Psalms 120:2](/psalms/120-2 "Psalms 120:2 - Deliverance from Deceit")), ultimately being crucified by those who were "for war" against Him. Yet, through His death on the cross, Christ made peace by shedding His own blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")), breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He is our true *shalom*, not just offering peace, but being peace itself. His resurrection and ascension ensure that while His followers may still face opposition for their commitment to peace ([John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World's Hatred")), the ultimate victory belongs to the One who will one day establish His kingdom of perfect and everlasting peace, where "they shall beat their swords into plowshares" ([Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")).

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

Matthew 5:9

Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Psalms 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

1 Samuel 24:9

¶ And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?

1 Samuel 24:11

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.