Show Don't Tell: Psalm 129

Instead of saying "Israel survived persecution," feel the plow marks. Song of Ascents. "'They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,' let Israel say; 'they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.'" Youth of the nation—Egypt, wilderness, judges. Oppressed but surviving. "Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long." Back as field, whip marks as furrows. "But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked." Cords cut, freedom given. "May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms." Roof grass—shallow roots, quick death, useless harvest. "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.'" No blessing pronounced—passing by in silence.