Psalms 129
1 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Common Questions About Psalms 129
What history does Psalm 129 recall?
It recalls how Israel has been afflicted often from youth, with plowers plowing long furrows on their back, yet they have not prevailed, for the Lord is righteous and has cut them free.
What image does the psalm use for enemies?
It compares those who hate Zion to grass on the housetops that withers before it grows, having no lasting root or fruitfulness.
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Questions to Think About
- How does remembering past survival through affliction strengthen your hope for a current struggle?
- What does the image of rootless, withering grass teach about opposition that seems threatening but lacks lasting power?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.
