The Psalmist laments that he lives in a Society which “hateth peace” and cries out “I am for peace: but when I speak they are for war” (1000 BC)

Found in: The Book of Psalms (KJV)

In one of the 150 poems, songs, and prayers from the Old Testament’s Book of Psalms, King David writes:

Religion & Toleration

Psalm 120
1. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
2. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
3. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4. Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5. Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tentsof Kedar!
6. My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Thoughts

It is important to note that among the reasons given for the distress of the psalmist is that he has had to live among people who advocate war and hate peace. Such is often the lonely fate of supporters of peace in a hostile world.