Psalm 129

Psalm 129

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me.
Let all Israel repeat this:2 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me,
but they have never defeated me.3 My back is covered with cuts,
as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.4 But the LORD is good;
he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.5 May all who hate Jerusalemt
be turned back in shameful defeat.6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop,
turning yellow when only half grown,7 ignored by the harvester,
despised by the binder.8 And may those who pass by
refuse to give them this blessing:
“The LORD bless you;
we bless you in the LORD’s name.”

Psalm 129

A song of ascents.

1 They have greatly oppressed me from my youth—
let Israel say—

2 they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.

3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.

4 But the Lord is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

5 May all who hate Zion
be turned back in shame.

6 May they be like grass on the roof,
which withers before it can grow;

7 with it the reaper cannot fill his hands,
nor the one who gathers fill his arms.

8 May those who pass by not say,
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
we bless you in the name of the Lord.”