A prayer in tribulation.119:0A gradual canticle: The following psalms, in number fifteen, are called gradual psalms, or canticles, from the word gradus, signifying steps, ascensions, or degrees: either because they were appointed to be sung on the fifteen steps, by which the people ascended to the temple: or, that in the singing of them the voice was to be raised by certain steps or ascensions: or, that they were to be sung by the people returning from their captivity and ascending to Jerusalem, which was seated amongst mountains. The holy fathers, in a mystical sense, understand these steps, or ascensions, of the degrees by which Christians spiritually ascend to virtue and perfection; and to the true temple of God in the heavenly Jerusalem.(Challoner)

¹ A Canticle in steps. When troubled, I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

² O Lord, free my soul from lips of iniquity and from the deceitful tongue.

³ What will be given to you, or what will be added to you, for a deceitful tongue?:

⁴ the sharp arrows of the powerful, along with the burning coals of desolation.¹

1. 119:4In other words, there will be nothing left but burning embers.(Conte)

⁵ Woe to me, for my sojourning has been prolonged. I have lived with the inhabitants of Kedar.

⁶ My soul has long been a sojourner.

⁷ With those who hated peace, I was peaceful. When I spoke to them, they fought against me without cause.