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Day 328

Psalm 129:1a "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth..."

Day 328 – Psalm 129

“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth…” Psalm 129:1a

AFFLICTIONS OF LIFE

Many were the afflictions suffered at the hands of wicked and cruel enemies. Memory of these afflictions left a bitter taste in the mouth. This Song of Ascent has a strong imprecatory element.

“‘Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,’
Let Israel now say-
‘Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.
The plowers plowed on my back;
They made their furrows long.’
The LORD is righteous;
He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.
Let all those who hate Zion
Be put to shame and turned back.
Let them be as the grass on the housetops,
Which withers before it grows up,
With which the reaper does not fill his hand,
Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms.
Neither let those who pass by them say,
‘The blessing of the LORD be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the LORD!'”
Psalm 129:1-8

1. Memories of afflictions

a) These are recalled painfully.
b) But these memories only made the spirit stronger.
c) Afflictions from enemies will not prevail against the person who has faith in God.

2. Imprecatory elements

a) The Lord will cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.
b) Those who hate Zion will experience shame and will not find success.
c) They will be like grass that quickly withers away.
d) Their harvests will not yield much.
e) They will never experience a great blessing from the Lord.