2018 Messenger June/July Messenger Summer Edition | Page 10

FAMILY JUNE 2018 Year 1-10 Psalm 129 1 “Time and again they greatly did oppress me From my youth up,” let Israel declare; “Time and again they greatly did oppress me From my youth up, yet they did not prevail.” 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Upon my back, like plowmen plowing furrows, So did they make their gouges deep and long. Yet is Jehovah righteous in His dealings; The ropes of lawless men He cuts apart. Let them be shamed and fall back in confusion, All those who bear for Zion bitter hate. Let them become like grass upon the housetops Which withers up before it can be pulled. From such the reaper cannot get one hand full, Nor can the one who binds fill up his arms. None passing say, “Jehovah’s blessing on you! We give you blessing in Jehovah’s name!” TUNE: OLD 110TH 11.10.11.10. Louis Bourgeois, 1551 Year 11-15 Psalm 31:1-16 1 In You, Lord, I take refuge; 2 Ashamed let me not be. Your righteousness eternal Express by saving me; Incline Your ear to hear me; With speed deliver me. To me O be a strong rock A fort to rescue me. 3 4 5 You are my rock and fortress; For Your sake lead and guide. Free me from nets they’ve hidden; My stronghold You abide. I now commit my spirit Into Your outstretched hand. I know You have redeemed me, Lord God of truths that stand. 6 7 8 I hate those serving idols; My trust is in the Lord. I’ll triumph in Your mercy; For anguish You regard. You’ve known my soul’s afflictions, Kept me from hostile hand. My feet You have established Where they have room to stand. 9 10 O Lord, have mercy on me, For anguish fills my life; My eye, my soul, my body Are all consumed with grief. My life is drained by sorrow, My years with sighing spent; I’ve lost my strength by sinning; My bones are weak and bent. 11 12 13 14 15 16 To all my foes a byword, A dread to those near me, A scorn to all my neighbors, At sight of me they flee. Like dead men I’m forgotten, A broken jar thrown out. I’ve slanders heard of many, And fear is all about. When foes conspire against me, My murder meditate, In You, O Lord, I’m trusting; “You are my God,” I state. My times are all in Your hand; Free me from foes who chase. Your face shine on Your servant; O save me in Your grace. Psalm Synopsis Psalm 129 The 10th “Song of Ascents,” verses 1-4, speak of what Israel has survived. Verses 5-8 pray, or even prophesy of what will become of her enemies, whether ancient Egypt, the Philistines, Assyrians, or Babylonian