Psalms 129

A song of ascents.

I

Viciously have they attacked me from my youth,

let Israel say now.^a

2Viciously have they attacked me from my youth,^b

yet they have not prevailed against me.

3Upon my back the plowers plowed,

as they traced their long furrows.^c

4But the just LORD cut me free

from the ropes of the wicked.^*

II

5May they recoil in disgrace,

all who hate Zion.

6May they be like grass on the rooftops^*

withered in early growth,^d

7Never to fill the reaper's hands,

nor the arms of the binders of sheaves,

8And with none passing by to call out:

"The blessing of the LORD be upon you!^*

We bless you in the name of the LORD!"^e

* [Psalm 129] A Psalm giving thanks for God's many rescues of Israel over the long course of their history (Ps 129:1–4); the people pray that their oppressors never know the joy of harvest (Ps 129:5–8).