Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist doesn't just say he lived among enemies, but that his soul dwelled there. This highlights how deeply the constant conflict and hatred impacted his very being, causing a profound weariness that went beyond mere physical discomfort. It emphasizes the spiritual and emotional toll of being surrounded by those who actively oppose peace.
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is feeling deeply distressed by his surroundings, lamenting that he's been forced to live among people who are hostile and disruptive. This isn't a new or minor annoyance; his very soul suffers from this long-standing exposure to those who actively hate peace and stir up conflict. He longs to escape this environment of strife and find rest elsewhere.
Ever felt like you're surrounded by people who just don't get you, or worse, seem to actively dislike peace? This verse dives deep into that gut-wrenching feeling.
The psalmist uses powerful language to describe his deep discomfort. "My soul" is the very essence of his being, and it's weary from dwelling with those who "hate peace." This isn't just a surface-level annoyance; it's a profound spiritual and emotional burden. These aren't just people he disagrees with; they are people who actively reject peace, suggesting a constant state of conflict, hostility, and potentially, violence.
Imagine living day in and day out with individuals whose very nature seems opposed to harmony and quiet. The commentary highlights that this wasn't a fleeting problem but a long-standing, "intolerable" situation. It was so galling because it constantly rubbed against the psalmist's own desire for peace and his core identity as someone who is peace.
While the verse paints a picture of deep distress, it also subtly reveals the psalmist's own character. What does this tell us about God's people?
This lament isn't just about the negative environment; it's a powerful testament to the psalmist's own longing for peace. He states, "I am peace" (as suggested by some interpretations of his own disposition in relation to their hostility). This reveals a core truth: God's people are called to be peacemakers, even when surrounded by those who are the opposite.
The surrounding context, particularly the commentary on verses 5-7, emphasizes that the psalmist's desire is to live peaceably. His distress comes precisely because he is not experiencing peace, and his very being (his soul) feels the strain. This contrast is intentional. It highlights the internal struggle of a peace-loving individual trapped in a war-like atmosphere, yearning for an escape and a place where his nature aligns with his surroundings.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A multifaceted Hebrew concept representing not just the absence of conflict, but completeness, wholeness, prosperity, and relational harmony with God and others. It describes the state of well-being intended by God for His creation.
sane · Hebrew Verb
A strong verb denoting intense hostility, animosity, or aversion toward someone or something. In a biblical context, it often signifies a deep-seated rejection of God's ways or those who represent His truth.
This psalm reflects the deep distress of a peace-loving soul forced to live among hostile, nomadic peoples like the Mesech and Kedar, whose constant warfare and quarrelsome nature are a stark contrast to the psalmist's desire for peace and fellowship with God.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded its territory, leading to increased conflict and displacement for surrounding peoples, including Israelites.
740 BC - 722 BC
Wars of Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II
Intensified Assyrian military campaigns brought significant disruption to the region, impacting the northern kingdom of Israel and Judah.
c. 730 BC— this verse
Tribes of Mesech and Kedar prominent
Mesech, located north of Assyria, and Kedar, nomadic tribes of Arabia, were known for their warlike and restless nature, frequently clashing with settled peoples.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of many Israelites and further regional instability.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon began deporting segments of the Judean population, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, exiling a significant portion of the remaining population.
Jesus sends out his disciples with a peace-greeting, showing that their desire for peace is aligned with God's will, even when met with resistance.
Matthew 5:9Jesus declares the peacemakers blessed, highlighting the divine value placed on those who strive for peace amidst conflict, just as the psalmist longs for.
Romans 12:18This verse directly echoes the psalmist's sentiment, urging believers to 'live peaceably with all' as much as possible, acknowledging the difficulty but emphasizing the pursuit.
1 Peter 3:11Echoing the psalmist's desire, this passage calls believers to 'seek peace and pursue it,' framing peace as an active and God-honoring pursuit.
poolePsalms 120:6: "My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace."
No text from Poole on this verse.
clarkePsalms 120:6: "My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace."
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace - A restless, barbarous, warlike, and marauding people.
The psalmist doesn't just say he lived among enemies, but that his soul dwelled there. This highlights how deeply the constant conflict and hatred impacted his very being, causing a profound weariness that went beyond mere physical discomfort. It emphasizes the spiritual and emotional toll of being surrounded by those who actively oppose peace.
The psalmist is feeling deeply distressed by his surroundings, lamenting that he's been forced to live among people who are hostile and disruptive. This isn't a new or minor annoyance; his very soul suffers from this long-standing exposure to those who actively hate peace and stir up conflict. He longs to escape this environment of strife and find rest elsewhere.
The psalmist is feeling deeply distressed by his surroundings, lamenting that he's been forced to live among people who are hostile and disruptive. This isn't a new or minor annoyance; his very soul suffers from this long-standing exposure to those who actively hate peace and stir up conflict. He longs to escape this environment of strife and find rest elsewhere.
"Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace." — The psalmist doesn't just say he lived among enemies, but that his soul dwelled there. This highlights how deeply the constant conflict and hatred impacted his very being, causing a profound wear…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026