Psalms 120:6
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭בַּת
hath long
H7227
רַ֭בַּת
hath long
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
שָֽׁכְנָה
dwelt
H7931
שָֽׁכְנָה
dwelt
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
2 of 7
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
נַפְשִׁ֑י
My soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
My soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עִ֝֗ם
H5973
עִ֝֗ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Matthew 10:16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Matthew 10:36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.Ezekiel 2:6And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's identity centered on being a people of peace under God's covenant. The priestly blessing promised peace (Numbers 6:24-26), and the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Living among those who rejected peace violated the covenant community's essential character. This tension would intensify during periods of exile, persecution, or diaspora.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual and emotional toll comes from 'long dwelling' in hostile environments?
- How do believers maintain peace within themselves while living among those who 'hate peace'?
- What does it mean to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) in contexts characterized by conflict?
- How does the psalmist's longing for peace point forward to Christ as the Prince of Peace?
- In what ways might prolonged exposure to ungodly influences affect our spiritual health?
Analysis & Commentary
The lament continues: 'My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.' The word 'soul' (Hebrew 'nephesh') denotes the whole person - mind, emotions, and will. The phrase 'long dwelt' emphasizes extended suffering; this is not momentary discomfort but sustained trial. Those who 'hateth peace' are characterized by hostility, conflict, and discord. The psalmist mourns being forced to coexist with contentious, quarrelsome neighbors. For God's people, whose covenant relationship is defined by shalom (peace, wholeness, harmony), living among peace-haters creates profound tension. This verse describes the spiritual weariness of maintaining faithfulness in hostile environments. The longing expressed here finds ultimate resolution only in God's eternal kingdom, where peace reigns perfectly.