Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 137: Should We Bash the Babylonian Babies? Spiritual and Historical Interpretations
Biblical Interpretation

Psalm 137: Should We Bash the Babylonian Babies Against the Rocks? Spiritual and Historical Interpretations

05/07/2026 Bruce Strom 0

Happy shall they be who take your little ones
and dash them against the rock!
Origen was one of the first Church Fathers who interpreted this troublesome verse allegorically, as did St Ambrose, who catechized and baptized the young St Augustine. Origen teaches us that “the little ones of Babylon, which signifies confusion, are those troublesome sinful thoughts that arise in the soul, and one who subdues them by striking their heads against the firm and solid strength of reason and truth, is the person who ‘dashes the little ones against the stones;’ and he is therefore truly blessed.”[2] Likewise, St Ambrose comments that we should “dash all corrupt and filthy thoughts against Christ.” […]

Psalm 71: Encouraging Us In Our Old Age
Biblical Interpretation

Psalm 71: Encouraging Us In Our Old Age

03/11/2026 Bruce Strom 2

John Calvin speculates that David composed Psalm 71 after experiencing the trauma of losing the life of his son Absalom during his rebellion against him, which was sparked by the favoritism Davis showed towards his newly resented wife, Bathsheba. “The particular reference which David makes to his old age renders this conjecture not improbable.”
If so, this psalm should be a comfort to those who old age is lonelier due to mistakes, miscalculations or misfortunes occurring many years earlier. […]

Psalms 40 and 70: Deliver Both Young and Old from Suffering and Trials
Biblical Interpretation

Psalms 40 and 70: Deliver Both Young and Old from Suffering and Trials

03/10/2026 Bruce Strom 0

St Ambrose rejoices: “Christ has heard the prayer of his own servants and has brought us out from the pit of misery and from the mire of dregs. We were drowning there; our whole flesh was clinging to the mire, trapped in the whirlpool of our sins. Our soul was powerless to save itself; fallen and ruined as it was by the multiplicity and dreadfulness of our offenses.”
St Ambrose continues: “Christ came to save us from the pit and slime of this world, from the mud and mire of this earth, from this body doomed to death.” “May that rock, which follows those who thirst, confirm the weak and unsteady; may that water never be lacking to those who long for it; and may that firm foundation never be wanting to those in danger of falling.” […]