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Psalms 129

8 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 129 speaks of long‑standing affliction and the enduring faith of Israel, while asserting that God’s righteousness will defeat the enemies.

Summary

The psalm opens with a lament of enduring suffering since youth, yet it asserts that the affliction has not defeated the people. The enemies are described as plowers who furrow the back, yet the LORD is righteous and breaks the cords of the wicked. The psalm calls for the enemies to be confounded and turned back, likening them to grass that withers before it grows. The imagery of the mower and the binder illustrates how the enemies’ actions are futile and unproductive. The psalm concludes with a reminder that those who pass by do not bless but are unhelpful, highlighting the contrast between true blessing and hostile indifference.

Outline
  1. 1. Affliction since youth and Israel’s endurance
  2. 2. Enemies depicted as plowers, yet the LORD is righteous
  3. 3. Prayer for enemies’ downfall and description of their futility
Themes
Suffering and perseveranceDivine justice and righteousnessHope in God’s deliverance
Keywords
afflictionyouthplowersfurrowsLORDrighteousZiongrassmowersheavesblessingconfounded
People
Israelthe LORDthe enemies
Places
Zion
Things
plowersfurrowscords of the wickedgrass upon housetopsmowersheavesblessing of the LORD
Key Verses
  • Psalms 129:4: It declares the LORD’s righteousness and His action against the wicked.
  • Psalms 129:5: It directly calls for the enemies to be confounded and turned back.
  • Psalms 129:6: It uses the vivid image of grass withering, symbolizing the futility of the enemies’ efforts.
Questions
  • How does the psalmist reconcile long‑term suffering with faith in God’s justice?
  • What does the imagery of the mower and grass reveal about the futility of the enemies’ actions?
  • In what ways does this psalm reflect the broader biblical theme of God’s righteousness overcoming oppression?
  • How can modern readers apply the call for turning back the enemies in a contemporary context?
  • What does the contrast between those who bless and those who pass by teach about community responsibility?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm contains lament and hope, expressing both suffering and confidence in divine justice.