IN FAVOR OF PEACE
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peaceH7965.
I am in favor of peaceH7965; but when I speak, they want war.
Psalm 120:5-7
Tony Evans explains the two locations mentioned in this Psalm:
120:5-7 Meshech is a reference to a people who lived far to the north of Israel, while Kedar referred to a people who lived to the southeast (120:5). Likely, then, this was his poetic way of saying that he was surrounded by those who were not God’s people. (24)
The Psalmist could not possibly live in the two places he mentions because they are far apart. He is saying the people surrounding him are acting like people who do not know the one true God, acting like barbarous, cruel pagans. The psalm is a plea for God to bring about the peace he longs for. He is petitioning the God of peace to restore his inner peace as well as peace with others. He has apparently been the victim of people who answer his pleas for peace with hatred, slander, and perhaps the threat of violence. The psalm is labeled as one of several “songs of ascent” which may have been sung as a pilgrim traveled up the hill toward Jerusalem. Perhaps the psalmist is making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the city of “peace,” to seek peace with His God as well as escape dwelling among people who are bent on disturbing his peace.
We first must establish a relationship with Father God by trusting in, relying on, the Prince of Peace, Jesus, to save us from the wrath of God. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin and reconcile us to God. Once we have this peace with God, we can learn to rest in the peace of God—peace of mind and a sense of well-being and wholeness. The Apostle Paul urges us to seek peace with others, but we must realize that there are times the other person will not respond well even though we are making our best effort to live peaceably. When that happens, we must commit them to God in prayer and trust Him to change their hearts or avenge wrongs against us.
Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Father, thank You that Jesus paid the price for our sins that we can have peace with You. Thank You that since we have surrendered our lives to Jesus, Your Holy Spirit lives within us and enables us to enjoy Your peace even amid difficult circumstances. Please help us to live at peace with those around us, especially fellow believers, and to be known for being in favor of peace rather than conflict.