Psalm 120:7

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

Study Bible

I am in favor of peace;
The psalmist expresses a desire for peace, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, signifies not just the absence of conflict but a state of completeness and well-being. This longing for peace reflects God's original design for creation, as seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-2). The psalmist's stance aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) and who taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). The desire for peace is also echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

but when I speak,
The act of speaking here implies communication and the attempt to resolve conflict through dialogue. In the biblical context, words hold significant power, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states that "the tongue has the power of life and death." The psalmist's attempt to speak suggests a proactive approach to conflict resolution, which is consistent with biblical teachings on reconciliation and the importance of wise and gentle speech (James 3:17).

they want war.
The contrast between the psalmist's desire for peace and the adversaries' inclination towards war highlights the reality of human conflict and the presence of evil in the world. This tension is evident throughout Scripture, from the conflicts in the Old Testament to the spiritual warfare described in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:12). The psalmist's experience foreshadows the ultimate conflict between good and evil, culminating in the victory of Christ, who will bring final peace (Revelation 21:4). The adversaries' desire for war can also be seen as a reflection of the fallen human nature, which is often at odds with God's will for peace and reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 120, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a personal lament and a desire for peace amidst conflict.

2. Enemies of Peace
The unspecified adversaries who oppose the psalmist's desire for peace and instead seek conflict.

3. Mesech and Kedar
Mentioned earlier in Psalm 120, these are symbolic representations of hostile and foreign lands, indicating the psalmist's feeling of being surrounded by those who do not share his values.

Teaching Points

The Pursuit of Peace
As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, actively seeking to resolve conflicts and promote harmony in our relationships and communities.

The Reality of Opposition
Even when we desire peace, we may encounter resistance and hostility. This should not deter us from our commitment to peace.

Spiritual Warfare
Recognize that the desire for peace is often met with spiritual opposition. We must be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and reliance on God's strength.

The Role of Speech
Our words have the power to either escalate conflict or promote peace. We must be mindful of how we communicate, ensuring that our speech aligns with our desire for peace.

Trust in God's Justice
When faced with opposition, trust that God sees and will ultimately bring justice. Our role is to remain faithful in our pursuit of peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the psalmist's experience in Psalm 120:7 reflect the challenges we face in pursuing peace today?

2. In what ways can we actively pursue peace in our personal relationships and communities, according to biblical principles?

3. How does the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9) inform our understanding of being peacemakers?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our speech promotes peace rather than conflict, as suggested by James 3:18?

5. How can we find encouragement and strength in God's promises when we face opposition in our efforts to promote peace?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on the blessedness of peacemakers, highlighting the value of peace in the Kingdom of God.

Romans 12:18
Paul's exhortation to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us, reinforcing the call to pursue peace.

James 3:18
The connection between righteousness and peace, emphasizing that peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.