Psalms

Chapter 129

Israel's Afflictions and the LORD's Righteousness

Israel testifies that they have been afflicted many times since youth, yet their enemies have never prevailed against them. The wicked plowed upon their back, making long furrows of affliction. But the LORD is righteous and has cut asunder the cords of the wicked. Let all who hate Zion be confounded and turned back; let them be like grass on housetops that withers before it grows, never filling the reaper's hand or binding sheaves.

Persistent afflictionGod's righteousnessWickedness undoneEnemies scattered

¹Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:

²Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet 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 all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

⁶Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:

⁷Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.

⁸Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.

Ch. 128129 of 150Ch. 130