John Gill Commentary Psalms 120:4

"Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper." — Psalms 120:4 (ASV)

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Some think these words describe lying lips and a false tongue, which are like arrows, sharp ones, sent out from a bow drawn with a mighty hand, which come with great force, suddenly and swiftly, and do much mischief (see Psalms 11:2, 57:4, 64:4). They are also compared to "coals of juniper", which are very distressing and tormenting; the tongue being a fire, set on fire of hell, and sets on fire the course of nature; and throws out devouring words, which consume like fire (James 3:6, Psalms 52:4).

But rather the punishment of an evil tongue from the Lord is intended, whose sore judgments are often compared to arrows (Deuteronomy 32:23, Deuteronomy 32:42, Ezekiel 5:16, Psalms 7:13); because they come from above, and bring swift and sudden destruction with them; and are very sharp in the hearts of his enemies; are very severe and cutting, and come with power irresistible, being the arrows of the Almighty (Job 6:4).

And these may be compared to "coals of juniper", which are very vehement and strong, and very lasting and durable. Jerom ^F23 and Isidore ^F24 say they will last a whole year; and the Midrash on the place reports of two men, who had prepared food with them, and at the end of a year returned and found them burning, and warmed their feet at them.

These fitly express the lake of fire and brimstone, the portion of liars; whose fire is very strong, and flames devouring, being kindled by the breath of the Lord of hosts, like a stream of brimstone: and the fire of hell is everlasting; its burnings are everlasting burnings; a worm that dies not, a fire that is not quenched; the smoke of the torments of which ascend for ever and ever (Isaiah 30:23, 33:14, 66:24, Revelation 14:11, 21:8).

The Targum speaks of these arrows as lightnings from above, and of the coals of juniper as kindled in hell below; and they are interpreted of hell in the Talmud ^F25.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F23: Ad Fabiolam de 42. Mans. tom. 3. fol. 15. I.
• F24: Origin. l. 17. c. 7. Schindler. col. 1776.
• F25: T. Bab. Eracin, c. 3. fol. 15. 2.