Psalm 129:1

Translations

Modern

A song of ascents. Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth—let Israel now declare—

Traditional

A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:

Literal

A Song of the Ascents. Often they have distressed me from my youth—now let Israel say—

Latin

Canticum graduum. Sæpe expugnaverunt me a juventute mea, dicat nunc Israël;

Original

Hebrew

English

A song of ascents. Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth—let Israel now declare—

Notes

Psalms 129:1–2

Israel’s earliest years as a nation took place while the people were living in Egypt.

Psalms 129:1–8

The psalmist briefly reviews Israel’s history of trouble (Psalm 129:1–2) and redemption (129:3–4). He ends with curses against the enemies and blessings on the godly (Psalm 129:5–6).

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

Praise Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 124:1
A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel now declare—
Jeremiah 2:2
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.
Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
Psalm 126:1
A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.
Psalm 120:1
A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.
Exodus 1:12–14
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.
Psalm 122:1
A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Psalm 127:1
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
Isaiah 47:12
So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror!
Judges 10:8–12
…who that very year harassed and oppressed the Israelites, and they did so for eighteen years to all the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
Exodus 1:22
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.”
Psalm 125:1
A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

Enemy: The Wickedness of David's Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Psalms: Afflictions Psalms: Thanksgiving

Psalm 129:1

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