Psalms 120

1 A Song of Ascents. Unto Yahweh, in the distress that befell me, I cried—and he answered me.

A song of ascents. In distress I cried to the Lord, and he answered me.

2 O Yahweh! rescue thou my soul—from the false lip, from the deceitful tongue.

‘Deliver me, Lord, from the lip that is false and the tongue that is crafty.’

3 What shall be given to thee, and what shall be added to thee, thou deceitful tongue?

What shall he give to you, you tongue that is crafty? What yet shall he give to you?

4 The arrows of the hero sharpened, with burning coals of broom.

Arrows of warrior, sharpened, with glowing broom coals together.

5 Woe is me, That I sojourn in Meshek, —That I abide near the tents of Kedar!

Woe is me that I sojourn in Meshech, that I live by the tents of Kedar.

6 Long, hath my soul had her dwelling with him that hateth peace:

Already too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.

7 I, am for peace, and verily I speak, They, are for war!

I am for peace: but when I speak of it, they are for war.