Psalm 129 - New International Version (NIV)
A song of ascents.
1 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say; 2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. 3 Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. 4 But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”
5 May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. 6 May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; 7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms. 8 May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.”
The Psalm has been broken in two stanzas. The first stanza is about the Israelites being oppressed by their enemies although short lived. From the very beginning Israel was enslaved by the likes of the Egyptians, Syrians, Babylonians etc. The extent of the oppression is highlighted as the writer repeats the first phrase (v1 & 2). However this is short lived in v3. He remains righteous - according to commentary the God's righteousness is compared to His faithfulness throughout the Psalms.
The second stanza:
May all who hate God's people be short lived. The enemies of Israel will not be able to harvest any gain or receive any of God's blessing.
Application for us:
In the same way we will endure trials and hardships in this life, but through God's grace and righteousness this will be short-lived. We could look forward in spending eternity with Him in heaven.
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