- From what is the Psalmist asking to be saved, physical violence or some other threat (Psalms 120:2-4)?
- In Psalms 120:5, for Meshek, one might refer to Genesis 10:2 where the name refers to a son of Yafet. As to Kedar, in Genesis 25:13 this is the name of one of the sons of Ishmael. Is it possible that this sentence meant to say that since Meshek, according to tradition, dwelt on the Black Sea/Caspian area and Kedar in the Arabian peninsula, even as these two places were most distant, there, too, one feels too close to the haters of peace?
- Is the reference to “those who hate peace” a reference to physical violence?
- When the author says “ani shalom” does he mean I am “fulfilled” and that others are discontent, restive and unfulfilled — or are these terms to be taken literally and, if so, how would they relate to the early parts of this Psalm? Or, in Psalms 120:7 could the translation be read “as for me, peace indeed did I talk but they, only war”?
