Psalm 129 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

129:1-2

Psalm 129:1-8. The people of God, often delivered from enemies, are confident of His favor, by their overthrow in the future.

may Israel now say — or, “oh! let Israel say” (Psalm 124:1). Israel‘s youth was the sojourn in Egypt (Jeremiah 2:2; Hosea 2:15).

129:2

prevailed — literally, “been able,” that is, to accomplish their purpose against me (Psalm 13:4).

129:3-4

The ploughing is a figure of scourging, which most severe physical infliction aptly represents all kinds.

129:4

the cords — that is, which fasten the plough to the ox; and cutting denotes God‘s arresting the persecution;

129:5-6

The ill-rooted roof grass, which withers before it grows up and procures for those gathering it no harvest blessing (2:4), sets forth the utter uselessness and the rejection of the wicked.