Psalms 129

1 A song of ascents. Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth— let Israel now declare—

[I say that] my enemies have (afflicted/caused trouble for) me ever since I was young. [Now I ask you, my fellow] Israelis, to repeat those same words:

2 many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.

“Our enemies have afflicted us since our nation began, but they have not defeated us!

3 The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.

[Our enemies struck us with whips] that cut into our backs [MET] like a [farmer uses a] plow to cut deep furrows into the ground.”

4 The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.

[But] Yahweh is righteous, and he has freed [me] from being a slave [MTY] of wicked [people].

5 May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.

I wish/hope that all those who hate Jerusalem/Israel will be ashamed because of being defeated.

6 May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,

I hope/wish that they will be [of no value], like grass that grows on the roofs of houses that dries up and does not grow tall;

7 unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves.

[as a result] no one [cuts it and] puts it in bundles and carries it away.

8 May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”

People who pass by [and see men harvesting grain usually greet them by saying to them], “We wish/hope that Yahweh will bless you!” But this will not happen [to those who hate Israel]. We, acting as Yahweh’s representatives, bless you [Israelis.]