Psalm 129

1 Ein Stufenlied. - Sie haben mich schon oft von Jugend an bedrängt." So spreche Israel!

[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 "Schon oft von Jugend an bedrängt, jedoch nicht überwältigt.

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

3 Mit meinem Rücken pflügten sie und dehnten ihre Ackerfelder in die Weite.

[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 Der Herr jedoch, gerecht, zerhaut der Frevler Stränge."

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

5 In Schande sollen weichen all die Hasser Sions.

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

6 Sie seien wie das Gras auf Dächern, das vor dem Blühen schon verdorrt!

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 Der Schnitter füllt nicht seine Hand damit, nicht seinen Schoß der Garbenbinder.

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

8 Und keiner der Vorübergehenden ruft: "Des Herren Segen über euch! Wir grüßen euch im Namen des Herrn."

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.]