← Chapter 128 Chapter 130 →

Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 129, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Song of degrees.] Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: {Many...: or, Much}
Psalms 129:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me. {Many...: or, Much}
3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
Psalms 129:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 The LORD {is} righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Psalms 129:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
Psalms 129:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Let them be as the grass {upon} the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
Psalms 129:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
Psalms 129:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD {be} upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Psalms 129:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.