Psalms 129:3
The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גַּ֭בִּי
upon my back
H1354
גַּ֭בִּי
upon my back
Strong's:
H1354
Word #:
2 of 6
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
חֹרְשִׁ֑ים
The plowers
H2790
חֹרְשִׁ֑ים
The plowers
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
3 of 6
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
חֹרְשִׁ֑ים
The plowers
H2790
חֹרְשִׁ֑ים
The plowers
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
4 of 6
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
Historical Context
The imagery fits multiple contexts - Egyptian slavery, Assyrian brutality, Babylonian destruction. Isaiah 51:23 uses similar imagery for oppressors. The metaphor captures how enemies systematically wounded Israel, attempting to break the nation's spirit and strength. The long furrows suggest comprehensive, devastating oppression that should have destroyed the nation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the plowing imagery communicate suffering more effectively than abstract description?
- What does 'upon my back' suggest about the personal, bodily nature of national suffering?
- How do 'long furrows' emphasize the extent, depth, and duration of affliction?
- In what ways does this metaphor apply to Christ's suffering (the scourging, cross)?
- How does vivid description of suffering prepare for celebrating deliverance?
Analysis & Commentary
Vivid imagery describes oppression: 'The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.' The metaphor compares affliction to agricultural violence - enemies treated Israel's back like soil to be plowed. Plowing involves cutting, tearing, and creating deep grooves. The image suggests both physical violence (scourging, beatings) and national devastation (invasion, destruction). The phrase 'upon my back' personalizes corporate suffering - the nation's pain is felt as individual bodily harm. 'They made long their furrows' emphasizes extent and duration - not quick, shallow cuts but deep, prolonged wounds. Long furrows suggest thorough, systematic oppression. This agricultural imagery would resonate powerfully in agrarian culture while conveying suffering's intensity. The verse doesn't minimize pain but describes it vividly before celebrating deliverance.