READ Psalm 129. 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.”
OPPRESSION. The psalmist talks about slaves with backs scarred by whips (verse 3) who are liberated by God (verse 4). God “works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6) and hates world rulers who are tyrants (Luke 22:25–27), so their power is always temporary (verse 5). We should therefore be working for social justice in the world. But Christians can read this at another level. There was one who voluntarily gave his back to the smiters (Isaiah 50:6), by whose wounds and stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). When we meet people who oppose the gospel (“hate Zion,” verse 5), we should follow Jesus by defeating evil through forgiveness and love (Romans 12:14–21; 1 Peter 2:22–24) and calling them to repent (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Prayer: Lord, they came with “swords and clubs” (Matthew 26:47) and flogged you. “With clubs and staves they sought you, like a thief, you who are the Way, the true relief; Most true to those, who are your greatest grief.”137 Thank you for being true to me in that hour and healing me with your stripes. Amen.