Psalms 129:1-5

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.

Psalms 129:1-5 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.''

Cross References 9

  • 1. S Exodus 1:13
  • 2. S Psalms 88:15; Hosea 2:15
  • 3. Psalms 124:1
  • 4. Jeremiah 1:19; Jeremiah 15:20; Jeremiah 20:11; Matthew 16:18
  • 5. S Exodus 9:27; Psalms 119:137
  • 6. Psalms 37:9
  • 7. Psalms 140:5
  • 8. Micah 4:11
  • 9. S Psalms 70:2; Psalms 71:13
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