Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 129:1

Affliction as it comes to saints from men of the world.

1. Reason for it —enmity of the serpent's seed.

2. Modes of its display —persecution, ridicule, slander, disdain, etc.

3. Comfort under it. So persecuted they the prophets: so the Master. It is their nature. They cannot kill the soul. It is but for a time, etc.

Verses 1-2.

1. How far persecution for righteousness' sake may go. a) It may be great: "afflicted", "afflicted." b) It may be frequent: "Many a time." c) It may be early: "From my youth."

2. How far it cannot go. a) It may seem to prevail. b) It may prevail in some degree. c) It cannot ultimately prevail. d) It shall cause that to which it is opposed increasingly to prevail. —G. R.

Verses 1-4. Israel persecuted but not forsaken. Persecution.

1. Whence it came: "they."

2. How it came: "Many a time", "from my youth", severely: "afflicted", "ploughed."

3. Why it came. Human and Satanic hatred, and Divine permission.

4. What came of it: "not prevailed" —to destroy, to drive to despair, to lead to sin. God's righteousness manifested in upholding his people, baffling their foes, etc.

Verses 1-4. The enemies of God's church.

1. Their violence: "The plowers plowed", etc.

2. Their persistency: "Many a time...from my youth."

3. Their failure: "Yet they have not prevailed."

4. Their great opponent: "The Lord...hath cut asunder." —J. F.