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 Song of Ascents. Many a time, have they harassed me from my youth, well may Israel say:

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

Many a time, have they harassed me from youth, yet have they not prevailed against 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.”

Upon my back, have ploughmen ploughed, They have lengthened their furrow!

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

Yahweh, is righteous, He hath cut asunder the cords of the lawless.

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

Let all who hate Zion, be ashamed and shrink back:

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 become like the grass of housetops, which, before it is pulled up, hath withered;

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

Wherewith no reaper, hath filled his hand, nor binder, 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.]

Neither have the passers-by ever said, The blessing of Yahweh, be unto you, —We have blessed you in the Name of Yahweh.