Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 129

The Church’s Long Struggle and God’s FaithfulnessIn this psalm, the church of God speaks as if it is one person, looking back over its long history. The church remembers many times of trouble and suffering caused by enemies. Even though these troubles were sometimes the result of the people’s own sins, much of the suffering came because of their special relationship with God. Throughout history, God’s people have often been attacked and oppressed, but God has always helped them survive. This psalm shows both the pain the church has faced and the faithfulness of God in delivering His people.v. 1: The psalm begins, Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth—let Israel now say . Israel, God’s people, have been attacked and oppressed more than any other nation. From their early days in Egypt and through the time of the Judges, they suffered much. The church has always had many enemies and has often been in trouble, especially when it was young. Even the early Christian church faced many persecutions. God’s people have always been like a “speckled bird, pecked at by all the birds round about” (Jeremiah 12:9 ).

v. 2: The psalm repeats, Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me . Even though the enemies tried to destroy God’s people again and again, they never succeeded. The church has survived many storms and attacks. Jesus said, The gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18 ). God always keeps His promise to protect His people.

v. 3: The psalm describes the suffering: The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows . This means the enemies treated God’s people very cruelly, like a farmer tearing up the ground with a plough. Sometimes this refers to real beatings and punishments, as when people were whipped for their faith (Hebrews 11:36 ). It also points to the destruction of cities, as when Zion shall, for your sake, be ploughed as a field (Micah 3:12 ). Even Jesus suffered this way, as He said, I gave my back to the smiters (Isaiah 50:6 ).

v. 4: The psalm then says, The Lord

God's Regard to His ChurchAfter celebrating how God has defeated the many plans to destroy His people, the psalmist ends with a prayer, much like Deborah’s song: So let all your enemies perish, O Lord

v. 6: The psalmist continues the picture: Wherewith the mower fills not his hand, nor he that binds sheaves his bosom (Psalm 129:7 ). This means the enemies’ work will be useless. Just as grass on a rooftop cannot be gathered for any good purpose, so the efforts of those who fight against God’s people will come to nothing.

v. 7: The psalmist adds, Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord