Psalm 129
Psalm 129 reflects on the suffering and perseverance of Israel through their enemies' oppression and God's faithfulness in delivering them. It is a psalm of both lament and hope, acknowledging the long history of affliction while also looking to God's justice against the wicked.
Psalm 129:1-4 (NKJV)
1 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,"
Let Israel now say—
2 "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed on my back;
They made their furrows long."
4 The Lord is righteous;
He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.
Israel recalls the history of oppression it has endured from early on, symbolized by being "plowed" by enemies. Despite the harshness of the oppression, the enemies never ultimately prevailed. The image of plowing on Israel’s back paints a vivid picture of suffering, but verse 4 shifts to highlight God's righteousness. God intervened and broke the bonds of oppression, showing His justice and protection for His people.
Psalm 129:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Let all those who hate Zion
Be put to shame and turned back.
6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops,
Which withers before it grows up,
7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand,
Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms.
8 Neither let those who pass by them say,
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the Lord!”
These verses call for judgment on those who hate Zion, wishing for them to be like grass on rooftops—unable to grow or produce anything useful. The imagery of withering grass symbolizes the futility and temporary nature of the wicked's efforts. There is also a prayer that such enemies receive no blessings, further showing Israel’s desire for God’s justice to remove the threat of those who oppose His people.