Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 129:2

"Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me." — Psalms 129:2 (ASV)

Many a time ... - This repetition is designed to fix the thoughts on the fact and to impress it on the mind. The mind dwells on the fact as important in its bearing on the present occasion or emergency. The idea is that it is no new thing to be afflicted in this way. It has often occurred; it is a matter of long and almost constant experience. Our enemies have often attempted to destroy us, but in vain.

What we experience now, we have often experienced before. When tried in this way, we have been delivered just as often, and therefore we now have nothing to fear. We are not to regard it as a strange thing that we are now afflicted; nor are we to be discouraged or disheartened as if our enemies could overcome us, for they have often tried it in vain.

He who has protected us until now can protect us still. He who defended us before can defend us now. The past furnishes an assurance that He will defend us if it is best that we should be protected. It greatly supports us in affliction if we can recall the consolations we had in former trials and can draw upon the result of past experience to support us now.

Yet they have not prevailed against me - They have never been able to overcome us. We were safe then in the divine hands; we will be safe in the same hands now.