Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 120:4

4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper .

So this verse contains an answer to the question v. 3. and declares the slanderers recompence: which is the wrath and vengeance of the mighty God, which in Scripture, and particularly in this Book, is oft compared to arrows, as Psal. 7. 13, 14, &c. and here to arrows of the mighty, i. e. shot by the hands of a strong man; and to coals, Psal. 140. 11. and here to coals of juniper, which being kindled burn very fiercely and retain their heat for a long time. And the Psalmist may possibly express it in these words, to shew the suitableness of the punishment to the sin, as thy tongue shoots arrows, (for so calumnies are called Psal. 57. 4. & 64. 3.) and kindles coals, so thou shalt bring Gods arrows and coals kindled by the fire of his wrath upon thy self. But according to the other Translation, which is in the margent, this is a further declaration of the sin of calumny. Though, all things considered, it doth thee no good, yet it doth others much hurt, to whom it is like sharp arrows, &c.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word], It is as [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] arrows [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] mighty [illegible: 1 word] with coals [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word].