Psalms 120 · Grade 5
Longing for Peace
Read and Think
Psalm 120 is titled A Song of Ascents and names no author. It opens Psalms 120 to 134, fifteen short psalms that share that title. The first one starts far from Zion, with a person who feels like a foreigner among hostile neighbors.
His trouble is deceit. In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me. Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. He asks what will happen to such a tongue and answers with images of judgment: sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper, a wood known for burning hot. Lies hurt like arrows, and God will answer them with justice.
Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Meshech lay far to the north and Kedar in the desert to the east, so the names describe living among people who do not share his faith. My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. In the New Testament, Jesus says, Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
Show What You Know
Why is it fitting that the first Song of Ascents starts far from Zion?
What is the singer's main trouble?
What do the names Meshech and Kedar describe?
What does Jesus say about peacemakers?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- In my , I cried to Yahweh.
- He me.
- Lies hurt like arrows, and will answer them with justice.
- My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates .
Think About It
The singer felt out of place among people who loved conflict. How can you stay for peace when others are not?
His distress sent him to God. How can hard places turn your heart toward God?
Memory Verse
“I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.”
Psalms 120:7 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for answering my prayer. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you calm things down when friends argue?
- When trouble comes, how can it push you closer to God?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.