Psalm 120

It only took 1 minute to read this psalm through, but I read it about three times. I was still perplexed at the central meaning of the psalm. So I pulled out my Zondervan encyclopedia and looked up Meshech and Keder. The encyclopedia entries says that these kingdoms "represent 'the evil society' is which the psalmist lives." This concept brings a depth to the struggle of the psalmist, living among a people who are always opposed to what God has guided. That helps me understand the opening line with its pleas to God. When we dwell among those who are always oppressing us we must depend on God to bring us through the difficulties. These same thoughts are echoed by David, Paul, and even Jesus.
Stuart