Psalm 129:1-2

Psalm 129:1-2

They have not gained the victory over me

Our journey through Psalms 124 to 128 has been one of joy and celebration for these songs have acknowledged and proclaimed the blessings of God on His people, both as a nation and as individuals. Victory in battle has been celebrated. The longevity of Mount Zion has been proclaimed. The restoration of Israel from captivity has been declared with joy. And we have stood with the godly man who has witnessed the Lord’s blessing on his home and family. Now, Psalm 129 takes a darker turn, this is a prayer against the enemies of Israel, it is a request that God should not bless those who oppress His people. 

 

V1-2    Whilst this Psalm can be read as the plea of an individual, it is really a cry on behalf of a nation. Since the birth and formation of Israel, the people have been oppressed. When Joseph brought his father and his brothers to Egypt, they enjoyed a brief period of prosperity and peace. However, it was not long before their numbers swelled, and they became a threat to the Egyptian Pharaohs. So, they were not oppressed in their childhood as a nation, but oppression kicked in during their youthful years. The oppression grew into full scale hatred, and they became a people greatly despised and then abused. Slavery and hard labour followed and their latter years in Egypt were ones of misery and travail. But these are tough people, and they have a great God who watches over them. No matter how awful the oppression over the centuries, they always survive and always revive. They may well cry, “my enemies have not gained the victory over me” but it is the Lord who has rescued them, sustained them and protected them.

He cares no less for us, His chosen people. We are elevated to become sons and daughters of God. He knows about our suffering and the oppression of our enemies, be they human or spiritual, and we can cry out this day, “They have not gained the victory over me!” 

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