Psalm 129

Psalm 129

1. A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. 1 1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me. 1 Let all Israel repeat this:

2. From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, 2 but they have never defeated me.

3. My back is covered with cuts, 3 as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.

4. But the Lord is good; 4 he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.

5. May all who hate Jerusalem[a] 5 be turned back in shameful defeat.

6. May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, 6 turning yellow when only half grown,

7. ignored by the harvester, 7 despised by the binder.

8. And may those who pass by 8 refuse to give them this blessing: 8 “The Lord bless you; 8 we bless you in the Lord’s name.”

Footnotes:
a. 129:5: Hebrew Zion.