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Psalm 129

A Song of [a]Ascents.

Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up—let Israel now say—

Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.

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

The Lord is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He has cut asunder the thick cords by which the wicked [enslaved us].

Let them all be put to shame and turned backward who hate Zion.

Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up,

With which the mower fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his bosom—

While those who go by do not say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 129:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote.

Song of Victory over Zion’s Enemies

A Song of Ascents.

129 “Many a time they have (A)afflicted[a] me from (B)my youth,”
(C)Let Israel now say—
“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.
The plowers plowed on my back;
They made their furrows long.”
The Lord is righteous;
He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

Let all those who hate Zion
Be put to shame and turned back.
Let them be as the (D)grass on the housetops,
Which withers before it grows up,
With which the reaper does not fill his hand,
Nor he who binds sheaves, his [b]arms.
Neither let those who pass by them say,
(E)“The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 129:1 persecuted
  2. Psalm 129:7 armsful, lit. bosom