Psalm 129
American Standard Version (1901)
Chapter overview
Psalm 129 recalls repeated oppression from Israel's youth without granting it the final word. Deep wounds remain visible, but binding cords are cut and exploiters become as temporary as shallow rooftop grass.
OppressionSurvivalJusticeFreedom
1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up, Let Israel now say,
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back; They made long their furrows.
4Jehovah is righteous: He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5Let them be put to shame and turned backward, All they that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, Which withereth before it groweth up;
7Wherewith the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves, his bosom:
8Neither do they that go by say, The blessing of Jehovah be upon you; We bless you in the name of Jehovah.
American Standard Version (1901) — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.