Psalm 128

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1How joyful are those who fear the Lord—

all who follow his ways!

2You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

How joyful and prosperous you will be!

3Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,

flourishing within your home.

Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees

as they sit around your table.

4That is the Lord’s blessing

for those who fear him.

5May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.

May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.

6May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.

May Israel have peace!

Psalm 129

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me.

Let all Israel repeat this:

2From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me,

but they have never defeated me.

3My back is covered with cuts,

as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.

4But the Lord is good;

he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.

5May all who hate Jerusalem*

be turned back in shameful defeat.

6May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop,

turning yellow when only half grown,

7ignored by the harvester,

despised by the binder.

8And may those who pass by

refuse to give them this blessing:

“The Lord bless you;

we bless you in the Lord’s name.”