Psalms 129 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.120.1-134.3
These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.
Ps.129.1-8
The psalmist briefly reviews Israel’s history of trouble (129:1-2) and redemption (129:3-4). He concludes with curses against the enemies and blessings on the godly (129:5-6).
Ps.129.1-2
Israel’s earliest youth as a nation was during its sojourn in Egypt.
Ps.129.3-4
the Lord is good: He rescued Israel from Egypt, from many enemy attacks, and from the Babylonian exile.
Ps.129.6-8
Grass on a rooftop had shallow roots and would scorch easily. A crop was ignored by the harvester when the yield was low. The enemies who had sown hurt among God’s people would gain little.