The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
The plowers plowed across my back, making their furrows long and deep.
The writer is using the image of a farmer's plow cutting deep, painful furrows to describe how enemies have severely wounded and oppressed him.
📚 Historical Context
Psalm 129 is one of the Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by Israelites as they journeyed to Jerusalem for religious festivals, reflecting on their history of suffering and God's deliverance. The verse uses vivid agricultural imagery of plowing furrows on the back to symbolize the physical and emotional wounds inflicted by oppressors, likely referring to events like the Babylonian exile or earlier enslavements in Egypt. This metaphor was common in ancient Near Eastern poetry to express the deep anguish of a people under persecution and their hope for divine justice.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.