Psalms 129

Psalms 129 recounts Israel's enduring history of affliction from its youth, yet emphasizes that its adversaries never truly prevailed against them. The psalm declares the Lord's righteousness in delivering His people from oppression. It concludes with a prayer for the confounding and ultimate futility of those who hate Zion, likening them to withered grass.

This "Song of degrees" begins with Israel reflecting on the persistent suffering it has experienced since its earliest days, likening the deep oppression to plowing upon its back. Despite these numerous afflictions, the psalmist affirms that the oppressors were ultimately unsuccessful in overcoming Israel. The psalm then shifts to a declaration of the Lord's righteous character, noting His intervention in severing the bonds of the wicked. A significant portion of the psalm is dedicated to an imprecation against those who bear animosity towards Zion. It prays that these enemies be put to shame and driven back, wishing for them to be like grass growing on rooftops, which quickly withers before it can mature or be harvested, signifying their barrenness and lack of lasting success, as they receive neither the hand of the reaper nor the traditional blessing of the Lord.

Psalms 129, a "Song of degrees," opens with a poignant reflection by Israel upon its long history of suffering and persecution, stating that "many a time have they afflicted me from my youth." This repeated affliction, however, is met with a resolute declaration that "yet they have not prevailed against me," underscoring Israel's divine preservation despite persistent opposition. The intensity of this historical oppression is vividly portrayed through the metaphor of "the plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows," illustrating deep and painful subjugation. Following this lament and affirmation of endurance, the psalm pivots to a declaration of divine justice and intervention. It asserts that "The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked," indicating God's active role in delivering His people from their oppressors. The latter half of the psalm transitions into a strong imprecation against those who harbor hatred for Zion, the dwelling place of God. The psalmist prays, "Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion," seeking their public disgrace and retreat. This curse further invokes a vivid agricultural metaphor, wishing that these enemies "be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up." This imagery powerfully conveys their ephemeral nature and ultimate lack of fruitfulness. Unlike productive crops, this rooftop grass is useless; "Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom." This signifies that their efforts will yield no lasting benefit or harvest. Moreover, those who pass by will not offer the customary blessing, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD," emphasizing their complete lack of divine favor and human commendation. Thus, the psalm concludes by contrasting Israel's enduring resilience, sustained by God's righteousness, with the inevitable futility and downfall of its adversaries.