Survivors

This is one of those hard Psalms to write about.  I read it in The Message and thought, that can't be right, so I read it in New King James Version, and it's pretty much the same.  So I read it in a few other versions of the Bible... same.  So, I looked it up in a Bible Handbook thinking there's probably a hidden meaning.  It said, "This is inexcusable." So.  Here we are.  

I designed a way to warn people when things get ugly in a Bible Study. : )
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

 

We're still reading through the Psalms sung on the way to Jerusalem.   After reading such a nice Psalm yesterday, this is much different.  The Bible contains the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I think that's why I love it so much- it's honest.  The people are real.  I can relate to some of these feelings.

Psalm 129

Israel has definitely had more than their share of troubles!  But one thing I must admit is they don't stay down.  They are survivors.

Psalms 129:1-3

"Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,"

Let Israel now say —

2 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;

Yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed on my back;

They made their furrows long."

This sounds painful.  Yikes!  But the author praises God for cutting the cords of the wicked.  The plowmen are gone.  Some of our jobs today sound like this.  We're stuck financially in a situation that takes everything we have just to work and be professional. 

4 The Lord is righteous;

He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

Here's where it gets ugly...  Essentially, they are saying that now that they are free.  May their enemies be put to shame, let them die before they grow up.  Let them go without food and income and may the Lord's blessing never fall on them.  Ouch!

5 Let all those who hate Zion

Be put to shame and turned back.

6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops,

Which withers before it grows up,

7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand,

Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms.

8 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!"

NKJV

What comes to my mind is I have 3 choices in responding to this:
1.  Wow!  I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

2.  I would never say such a thing!
3.  Go get em guys!

I chose number 1, because it's honest.  I don't always think the nicest thoughts toward others.  And I have a verse for those occasions, when I feel guilty.

1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
NKJV
The best way to travel through this life and be a survivor, is without the bitterness of anger.  I know from experience.  Feel free to share your reactions too.