Psalms 120:1

Authorized King James Version

In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּצָּרָ֣תָה

H6869

In my distress

transitively, a female rival

לִּ֑י

קָ֝רָ֗אתִי

H7121

I cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽיַּעֲנֵֽנִי׃

H6030

and he heard

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?