Psalms
Summary
Psalm 129 is a Song of Ascents that looks back on Israel's long history of affliction, noting that while they have been persecuted since their "youth," their enemies have never finally prevailed. The psalmist uses the painful image of plowers making long furrows on his back to describe the suffering, but celebrates the righteous God who has cut the cords of the wicked. The psalm concludes with a petition for those who hate Zion to be put to shame, comparing them to withered grass on a roof that never reaches harvest.
"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.
Plowers have plowed my back and made their furrows long.
But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked."
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.
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."