Useful Bible Studies > Songs of Ascent Commentary
Last part: The lives of wicked people
· Here is a poem that explains each verse and each word picture in Psalm 129. First, compare it with the translation in your Bible. This will help you to understand the parts of Psalm 129 that may seem difficult. Then use the poem again when you pray. Perhaps you have had experiences like those that the author of Psalm 129 had. Then you will be able to make the poem into your own prayer to God.
A song for the journey to Jerusalem.
[1] “Since I was young, my enemies have been very cruel to me.”
(The people in Israel should sing this song.)
[2] Since I was young, my enemies have been very cruel to me.
But they have not been able to defeat me.
[3] They tore the skin from my back.
My injury was like the lines that a plough makes.
[4] But God is good.
He has ended the power of those wicked men.
It is as if he has cut that plough away.
[5] I pray against everyone who hates Zion.
I pray that God will stop their attacks.
I pray that they will have to return home.
I pray that they will be ashamed.
[6-7] Nobody can harvest the grass that grows on the roof of houses.
It does not yield any straw for the farmer.
It dies as soon as it starts to grow.
I pray that those enemies will be as unsuccessful as that grass.
[8] I pray that no traveller will greet them with the words:
“On behalf of God, I bless you.”
Or, “I pray that God will show you his kindness.”
Next part: Psalm 129: Something to do
See the word list for explanation of words with a *
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© 2015, Keith Simons.