What is the meaning of Psalm 120:7? I am in favor of peace The psalmist begins with a clear, heartfelt stance. He is not neutral; he actively loves and seeks peace. • This echoes God’s own heart: “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). • It foreshadows Christ’s teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). • Peace here is more than the absence of conflict; it is shalom—wholeness, harmony, well-being—rooted in trusting the Lord (Isaiah 26:3). • Romans 12:18 reminds believers, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone”. God’s people are called to be proactive agents of reconciliation. but when I speak The psalmist is not silent about his desire. He uses words—prayers, pleas, honest dialogue—yet his peace-focused speech meets resistance. • Proverbs 15:1 underscores this tension: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. Even gentle words can be rejected by hard hearts. • Jeremiah felt a similar pressure when proclaiming God’s truth: “Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction” (Jeremiah 20:8). • Jesus Himself experienced it; His gracious words at Nazareth were met with fury (Luke 4:22-29). Speaking righteousness will not always yield a calm response. • The psalmist’s willingness to speak peace shows obedience, even when outcomes are unpredictable. they want war Despite peaceful intentions, his listeners crave conflict. The problem lies not in the message but in their hearts. • Psalm 140:2 identifies such people: “They devise evil in their hearts; they stir up war all day long”. • James 4:1 pinpoints the root: “What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?”. • Jesus warned His followers: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). A godless world often prefers strife to the peace God offers. • Yet believers are not to mirror that hostility. Romans 12:21 exhorts, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. The psalmist’s example shows that faithful disciples may suffer opposition, but they keep choosing peace. summary Psalm 120:7 captures a painful but common reality: a servant of God pursues and proclaims peace, yet encounters a culture bent on conflict. The verse affirms that following the Lord means loving peace, speaking truth, and accepting that some will still choose war. Even then, believers remain steadfast, trusting the God of peace to vindicate His people and ultimately bring lasting shalom through His Son. |
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