Psalm 129:1-8 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:… Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, etc. The connection is shown thus - I. THE PSALMIST SAW THE REDEMPTIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AS SUPREME. (Ver. 4.) God's strength and justice surely prevail against all the devices of evil men. II. GOOD MEN PREVAIL WHEN THEY USE THEIR SUFFERING AS CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE. Some of the greatest lessons of life are learned from our severest sufferings. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy," etc.; "Our light affliction worketh out... while we look not at the things which are seen," etc. III. THE OPPOSITION OF ENEMIES CALLS FORTH THEIR GREATEST ENERGIES. This a law that operates in the physical, the intellectual, and the moral life. Stem a torrent, and you increase its force. An intellectual difficulty rouses us to the greatest endeavor, and moral obstacles call forth our most triumphant strength. IV. THE UNRIGHTEOUS ARE ULTIMATELY DEFEATED IN THEIR OPPOSITION TO THE GOOD CAUSE. (Vers. 5, 6.) They are driven back, and made ashamed of their efforts and designs upon the righteous cause. The psalmist is not doubtful of the final issue of the conflict between good and evil. The evil will wither like grass on the house-tops. V. THE RIGHTEOUS WILL GATHER THE HARVEST OF THEIR LABORS AMID THE BENEDICTIONS OF GOD AND MAN. (Ver. 8.) No good seed that has been sown will fail of a harvest more or less abundant. God and man rejoice in all good work done, whatever the extent of its consequences. "Well done, good and faithful servant;" "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the way of the wicked," whose "delight is in the Law of the Lord." - S. Parallel Verses KJV: {A Song of degrees.} Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:WEB: Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up. Let Israel now say, |
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