Psalm 129

Protection of the Oppressed

A song of ascents.

Since my youth they have often attacked me—
let Israel say—
since my youth they have often attacked me,
but they have not prevailed against me.(A)
Plowmen plowed over my back;
they made their furrows long.(B)
The Lord is righteous;
he has cut the ropes of the wicked.(C)

Let all who hate Zion
be driven back in disgrace.(D)
Let them be like grass on the rooftops,
which withers before it grows up[a](E)
and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper
or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.(F)
Then none who pass by will say,
“May the Lord’s blessing be on you.
We bless you in the name of the Lord.”(G)

Footnotes

  1. 129:6 Or it can be pulled out

Psalm 129

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies

A Song of Ascents.

Often have they attacked me from my youth
    —let Israel now say—(A)
often have they attacked me from my youth,
    yet they have not prevailed against me.(B)
The plowers plowed on my back;
    they made their furrows long.
The Lord is righteous;
    he has cut the cords of the wicked.(C)
May all who hate Zion
    be put to shame and turned backward.(D)
Let them be like the grass on the housetops
    that withers before it grows up,(E)
with which reapers do not fill their hands
    or binders of sheaves their arms,
while those who pass by do not say,
    “The blessing of the Lord be upon you!
    We bless you in the name of the Lord!”(F)