A SONG OF DETERMINATION
Passage: Psalm 129:1~8  
Key verse: 2
Psalm 129A song of ascents.
1 “They have greatly oppressed(A) me from my youth,”(B)
let Israel say;(C)
2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory(D) over me.
3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
4 But the Lord is righteous;(E)
he has cut me free(F) from the cords of the wicked.”(G)
5 May all who hate Zion(H)
be turned back in shame.(I)
6 May they be like grass on the roof,(J)
which withers(K) before it can grow;
7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,(L)
nor one who gathers fill his arms.
8 May those who pass by not say to them,
“The blessing of the Lord be on you;
we bless you(M) in the name of the Lord.”
1 “They have greatly oppressed(A) me from my youth,”(B)
let Israel say;(C)
2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory(D) over me.
3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
4 But the Lord is righteous;(E)
he has cut me free(F) from the cords of the wicked.”(G)
5 May all who hate Zion(H)
be turned back in shame.(I)
6 May they be like grass on the roof,(J)
which withers(K) before it can grow;
7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,(L)
nor one who gathers fill his arms.
8 May those who pass by not say to them,
“The blessing of the Lord be on you;
we bless you(M) in the name of the Lord.”
Cross references
- Psalm 129:1 : S Ex 1:13
- Psalm 129:1 : S Ps 88:15
- Psalm 129:1 : Ps 124:1
- Psalm 129:2 : Jer 1:19; 15:20; 20:11; Mt 16:18
- Psalm 129:4 : S Ex 9:27
- Psalm 129:4 : Ps 37:9
- Psalm 129:4 : Ps 140:5
- Psalm 129:5 : Mic 4:11
- Psalm 129:5 : S Ps 70:2
- Psalm 129:6 : Isa 37:27
- Psalm 129:6 : S 2Ki 19:26; Ps 102:11
- Psalm 129:7 : S Dt 28:38; Ps 79:12
- Psalm 129:8 : Ps 118:26
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
Some people, and some nations, have had a continuous hard struggle just to continue to exist (1-2). Israel was such a nation. Being weighed down or driven along by tough circumstances can seem like having our back plowed with a plow (3). But with faith, we can find God’s purpose even in this. The author of this Psalm sets an example of acknowledging our hardships but determining to not let our spirit be crushed by difficulties. If we have faith, we know that God will give us strength to endure, as well as inner freedom in Jesus (4). Let’s also remember that Jesus’ back was plowed with whips for our sins.
In the second stanza of the Psalm, the author prays earnestly that the oppressors of God’s people will not be blessed. It may not seem like a Christian prayer, but it is better to pray for God’s justice than to take revenge into our own hands.
Prayer: Father, when I feel hard pressed or even oppressed, give me strength and help me find your spiritual victory. Thank you for Jesus who suffered so much for me.
One Word: With God’s help I will be victorious.
In the second stanza of the Psalm, the author prays earnestly that the oppressors of God’s people will not be blessed. It may not seem like a Christian prayer, but it is better to pray for God’s justice than to take revenge into our own hands.
Prayer: Father, when I feel hard pressed or even oppressed, give me strength and help me find your spiritual victory. Thank you for Jesus who suffered so much for me.
One Word: With God’s help I will be victorious.