Psalm 129:5-8

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

8 May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”

Psalm 129:5-8 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

• 1. Micah 4:11
• 2. S Psalms 70:2; Psalms 71:13
• 3. Isaiah 37:27
• 4. S 2 Kings 19:26; Psalms 102:11; Psalms 37:2
• 5. S Deuteronomy 28:38; Psalms 79:12
• 6. Ruth 2:4; Psalms 118:26