Psalms 129:1-7

1 (128-1) <A gradual canticle.> Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say.

2 (128-2) Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me.

3 (128-3) The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity.

4 (128-4) The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners:

5 (128-5) Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion.

6 (128-6) Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses: which withereth before it be plucked up:

7 (128-7) Who with the mower filleth not his hand: nor he that gathereth sheaves his bosom.

Psalms 129:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 129

\\<>\\. This psalm was written in later times, after many of the distresses of Israel; very probably upon the Jews return from the Babylonish captivity, by Ezra, or some other godly person. Aben Ezra says the psalmist speaks in the language of Israel in captivity; and the same is the sense of Kimchi and Arama. The Syriac inscription is, ``a psalm without a name, concerning the distress of the people; but as to us, it intimates to us the victory and triumph of the worshippers.''