Psalms 129:5

¶ Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.

Let them all be confounded {H954} and turned {H5472} back {H268} that hate {H8130} Zion {H6726}.

Let all who hate Tziyon be thrown back in confusion.

May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.

Let them be put to shame and turned backward, All they that hate Zion.

Commentary on Psalms 129:5

Psalms 129:5 reads, "Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion." This verse is part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection of psalms sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts. This particular psalm reflects on Israel's long history of oppression and persecution, expressing a fervent hope for God's divine justice against their adversaries.

Context

Psalm 129 is a prayer of a nation that has endured much suffering "from their youth" (verse 1), yet has not been utterly consumed. It speaks of the enemies who have "plowed upon my back" (verse 3), symbolizing deep and painful affliction. Against this backdrop of historical hardship, verse 5 serves as an imprecation, a prayer for the defeat of those who harbor enmity towards Zion. Zion, in this context, is not merely the physical city of Jerusalem or its temple mount, but also represents God's dwelling place, His chosen people, and the center of His covenant presence. The psalm looks forward to the ultimate vindication of God's people and the shame of their oppressors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: The verse expresses a plea for God to intervene and bring judgment upon those who actively oppose His people and His purposes. It's a cry for righteousness to prevail over malice.
  • Protection of Zion: Underlying the prayer is the conviction that God defends His holy city and, by extension, His covenant people. Those who hate Zion are seen as hating God Himself and His kingdom.
  • Ultimate Defeat of Adversaries: The desire for enemies to be "confounded and turned back" signifies their utter failure, shame, and retreat. This is a common theme in the Psalms, assuring believers of God's ultimate victory over evil forces. For more on God's protection, see Psalm 125:1.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "confounded" is bôsh (בוש), which carries the strong connotation of being put to shame, disgraced, or humiliated. It implies a public exposure of their futile efforts and malicious intent. "Turned back" (Hebrew: sûg, סוג) means to retreat, recede, or fall back, indicating a complete reversal of their aggressive posture and plans. Those who "hate Zion" (Hebrew: śōnēʾ tsiyyôn, שֹׁנֵא צִיּוֹן) are not merely indifferent but actively hostile towards God's holy dwelling and everything it represents.

Related Scriptures

The sentiment of divine judgment against those who oppose God's people is echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, Psalm 35:4 similarly prays for the shame and confusion of adversaries. The concept of Zion as God's chosen dwelling and the place from which His law goes forth is also highlighted in Isaiah 2:3. The ultimate defeat of those who rise against God's kingdom is a consistent prophetic message.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse offers comfort and reassurance. While we are called to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), this psalm also acknowledges the reality of spiritual opposition and the righteous desire for God's justice. It reminds us that:

  • God is ultimately in control, and no enemy can permanently thwart His plans for His people or His kingdom.
  • We can trust God to defend His church and His truth, even when facing intense opposition.
  • The ultimate destiny of those who set themselves against God and His purposes is confusion and defeat, while those who trust in Him will be vindicated. This provides hope for believers facing persecution or spiritual warfare, knowing that God is for us.
This verse encourages us to pray for divine intervention against forces of evil and to rest in the sovereignty of God over all adversaries.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 37:35

    For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

  • Psalms 71:13

    Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

  • Psalms 83:4

    They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

  • Psalms 83:11

    Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:

  • Zechariah 12:3

    And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

  • Micah 4:11

    Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

  • Esther 6:13

    And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every [thing] that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai [be] of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back