Psalms 129

Psalm 129#sn Psalm 129. Israel affirms God’s justice and asks him to destroy the enemies of Zion.

A song of ascents.#sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

1“Since my youth they have often attacked me,” let Israel say.

2“Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not defeated me.

3The plowers plowed my back; they made their furrows long.

4The Lord is just; he cut the ropes of the wicked.”

5May all who hate Zion be humiliated and turned back!

6May they be like the grass on the rooftops which withers before one can even pull it up,

7which cannot fill the reaper’s hand, or the lap of the one who gathers the grain!

8Those who pass by will not say, “May you experience the Lord’s blessing! We pronounce a blessing on you in the name of the Lord.”