Psalm 129
JPS TaNaKH 1917
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
1A Song of Ascents. 'Much have they afflicted me from my youth up', let Israel now say;
2'Much have they afflicted me from my youth up; but they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.
4The LORD is righteous; He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.'
5Let them be ashamed and turned backward, all they that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it springeth 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 the LORD be upon you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.'
JPS TaNaKH 1917 — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.