Psalms 129

1 [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:

A Canticle in steps. They have often fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say:

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

they have often fought against me from my youth, yet they could not prevail over me.

3 [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.”

The sinners have made fabrications behind my back. They have prolonged their iniquity.

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

The just Lord will cut the necks of sinners.

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

Let all those who hate Zion be confounded and turned backwards.

6 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;

Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can be pulled up:

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

with it, he who reaps does not fill his hand and he who gathers sheaves does not fill his bosom.

8 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.]

And those who were passing by have not said to them: “The blessing of the Lord be upon you. We have blessed you in the name of the Lord.”