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Day 314

Psalm 120:5a "Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech..."

Day 314 – Psalm 120

“Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech…” Psalm 120:5a

DWELLING FAR FROM JERUSALEM

The pilgrimage to Jerusalem always brought great feelings of nostalgia and longing. How the pilgrims wished to live nearer to the holy city than to live so far away.

“Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.”
Psalm 120:5-7

MESHECH AND KEDAR

1. These are names of two Gentile cities.

2. They are the dwelling places of pilgrims.

3. They are far away from Jerusalem.

4. Great lament is felt in living so far away from Jerusalem.

THE SYMBOLIC MEANING OF JERUSALEM

1. The symbolic meaning of Jerusalem is “Peace” (“shalom”).

2. Living in Gentile nations:-

a) Some Gentile nations were hostile.
b) They loved war rather than peace.
c) Some of these nations waged war against Jerusalem. Dwelling among people who hated peace can affect the soul.

I AM FOR PEACE

1. The psalmist sees himself as a man of peace

Making a pilgrimage renews his spirit and his desire for peace

2. But he acknowledges that his soul sometimes is desirous of war… rather than peace.

A part of his soul would like to see war against the enemies of Israel!