Psalms 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַ֣רְתִּי
is me that I sojourn
H1481
גַ֣רְתִּי
is me that I sojourn
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
מֶ֑שֶׁךְ
in Mesech
H4902
מֶ֑שֶׁךְ
in Mesech
Strong's:
H4902
Word #:
5 of 9
meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him
שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי
that I dwell
H7931
שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי
that I dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
6 of 9
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עִֽם
H5973
עִֽם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Genesis 10:2The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.Genesis 25:13And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,Ezekiel 27:13Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.Song of Solomon 1:5I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Historical Context
Mesech and Kedar represent peoples on the periphery of Israelite civilization, known for hostility toward God's people. References to these regions would evoke images of lawlessness, violence, and spiritual darkness. For post-exilic Jews or those living in diaspora, this imagery captured their experience of cultural and religious isolation among pagan neighbors.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'sojourn' rather than permanently 'dwell' somewhere, and how does this shape the believer's identity?
- How does geographic alienation serve as metaphor for spiritual alienation?
- In what ways do Christians today experience the tension of living in 'Mesech' and 'Kedar' - dwelling as strangers in a hostile world?
- How does this verse anticipate the New Testament teaching about believers as 'sojourners and pilgrims' (1 Peter 2:11)?
- What spiritual practices help maintain faithfulness when surrounded by ungodliness?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist laments his situation: 'Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!' This expresses profound spiritual alienation. 'Mesech' refers to a region in modern-day Turkey associated with barbarous people (Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; 38:2), while 'Kedar' denotes Bedouin tribes of the Arabian desert descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). These locations represent geographical extremes - north and south/east - symbolizing universal estrangement. The psalmist likely speaks figuratively rather than literally, using these names to represent dwelling among hostile, uncultured, godless people. The word 'sojourn' (Hebrew 'gur') emphasizes temporary residence - the righteous feel like foreigners even in their own land when surrounded by wickedness. This verse captures the exile experience, whether literal (Babylonian captivity) or spiritual (living as God's people in a fallen world).