Psalm 129 Meaning Explained
A community lament from a people long-afflicted. 'Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth'—yet they have not prevailed. The plowers plowed long furrows on Israel’s back, but the LORD cut the cords of the wicked. The imprecation: let them be like grass on the roof, which withers before it fills a hand, un-blessed by passersby.
A clear explanation of Psalm 129, its meaning, context, and message for believers today
Psalms Chapter 129 | KJV
1. A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3. The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4. The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5. Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6. Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7. Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8. Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Historical Context
Psalm 129, a Song of Ascents, recounts Israel’s oppression by enemies and God’s deliverance and justice.
Phrase by Phrase
- Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: Acknowledgment of repeated persecution.
- The LORD shall cut off all the enemies of Zion: Assurance of God’s justice against adversaries.
- They shall be ashamed and turned backward: God will humiliate the wicked and vindicate His people.
Application for Today
Believers can endure trials, trust God’s justice, and remain faithful in adversity.
FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of Psalm 129?
A: Endurance under persecution and God’s justice.
Q: Why endure affliction?
A: God’s justice will ultimately vindicate His people.
Q: What happens to enemies?
A: They shall be cut off and ashamed.
Q: How can this psalm apply today?
A: Remain faithful during trials and trust God’s justice.
Conclusion
Psalm 129 teaches endurance, faithfulness, and trust in God’s justice against adversaries.
All Psalms
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150