A word in season

The Commentary of Dr. Martin Luther, upon the CXXIX Psalm.

They have oftentimes afflicted, &c.

This Psalm consisteth of two parts.¹ In the former he giveth thanks to God for the defence and continual deliverance of the People of God. In the latter part he maketh his Prayer against the Adversaries, and in praying he prophesieth withal. Both these serve for our instruction, and also contain an Exhortation ⟨p. 27⟩to patience under the Cross, which pertaineth not to one age or time, but as the continual History of the Church doth show, to all times, and to the whole life of man. Moreover we do here comprehend both Churches, of the Jews, and of the Gentiles, as Paul also in a manner joineth them both together, when he saith, First to the Jew, and then to the Grecian. For as touching the Church or People of the Jews, it appeareth by the Histories, that they were placed in the midst of their Enemies, as a goodly Rose in the midst of Thorns. On the East side, the Ishmaelites, the Arabians, and other cruel People vexed them. On the South part, the Egyptians, the Ethiopians, the Troglodytes, the Philistines, and other like. On the North side, the Assyrians, &c. So the Church after the destruction of the Synagogue, is compassed every way with Enemies, and Christ, according to the Psalm, reigneth in the midst of his Enemies. Thus were they oftentimes and many ways afflicted. But herewithal God showed this miracle, that when they were so afflicted, he always delivered them. And thus was the Kingdom of Israel a miraculous Kingdom, in that the Lord when he would correct and chastise them, suffered the Philistines, Edomites, Moabites, Assyrians and Babylonians to have victory over them. Again, when they seemed to be utterly oppressed, they victoriously prevailed against their Enemies. So continued this Kingdom in despite of the cruel Nations round about it, and of Satan himself: as is to be seen in the Books of the Kings and also of the Chronicles. Now, because this People had both threatenings and promises set before them, as touching their afflictions and deliverance, this was unto them a great Consolation, even when they were afflicted and spoiled, that they knew that all these things came to pass not by the Will or Power of their Enemies, and much-less by their Righteousness or Deserts, but only by the Will of God thus punishing and chastising his People, yea threatening and forewarning them by the Prophets, that he would so punish the disobedient.