Psalm 129 is the tenth of the Songs
of Ascent of Degrees. Remember that these were songs that the pilgrims would sing
as they made their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the yearly feasts. In this
Psalm, the unknown author recalled the past and saw the conflict Israel had to
face and how the Lord had delivered them.
Even when Israel was a young
nation, they already had to face a whole salvo and bombardment of oppositions
that came upon them. Verses 2-3 described how intense and relentless the
persecution were. Using the language of farming, they were ploughed like the
plowers, digging and tilling deeply into the ground. Although this would not be
entirely bad because ultimately the ground would be made ready for sowing, but the
process of tilling would need to be strenuously endured. Difficult times are
hard for the flesh, but when properly endured brings patience, character and
hope.
Another thing about these verses is
that it’s a prophetical reference to how the back of the Lord Jesus was whipped
and torn by the Roman soldiers’ whips. He did it to redeem us. All praise be to
God, the plan of Israel’s enemies failed. They could not destroy Israel. Why?
According to verse 4, it’s because Israel served the righteous God Who had been
backing them. This same God will deliver the righteous and judge evil-doers. We
who trust Him can be assured of His backing.
In verses 5-8, the Psalmist offered
his prayer to God and looked to Him to deal with all their future enemies. He
prayed that all their enemies would be put to shame; that their number would be
decreasing and their lives shortened; and that they would be devoid of the
blessings of God. From this Psalm we know that the righteous God will deliver
and preserve His people. And the oppressors of His people will be dealt with
and ultimately destroyed. God can never bless those who reject Him, but will
richly bless those who acknowledge and serve Him. Amen!
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