Psalm 129

Protection of the Oppressed

A song of ascents.

¹Since my youth they have often attacked me —

let Israel say —

²since my youth they have often attacked me,

but they have not prevailed against me. ^a

³Plowmen plowed over my back;

they made their furrows long. ^b

⁴The Lord is righteous;

he has cut the ropes of the wicked. ^c

⁵Let all who hate Zion

be driven back in disgrace. ^d

⁶Let them be like grass on the rooftops,

which withers before it grows up ^e,^f

⁷and can’t even fill the hands of the reaper

or the arms of the one who binds sheaves. ^g

⁸Then none who pass by will say,

“May the Lord’s blessing be on you.

We bless you in the name of the Lord.” ^h