Psalms 129:4
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 119:137Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.Lamentations 3:22It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.Nehemiah 9:33Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:Lamentations 1:18The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.Daniel 9:7O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.Ezra 9:15O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, God intervened to break oppressive bonds - Egyptian slavery ended, Babylonian exile concluded, enemy plots failed. Each deliverance demonstrated God's righteousness and covenant faithfulness. The pattern of bondage-to-freedom formed Israel's core narrative (Exodus) and repeated throughout history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's righteousness explain His intervention against oppressors?
- What are 'the cords of the wicked' that bind God's people, and how does God cut them?
- Why is the imagery of cutting cords appropriate for describing deliverance?
- How does this verse balance God's sovereignty (He cuts) with human experience of bondage?
- In what ways does Christ's work involve cutting asunder the cords that bind humanity?
Analysis & Commentary
Divine intervention is confessed: 'The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.' The word 'righteous' (Hebrew 'tsaddiq') describes God's justice, faithfulness to covenant, and moral perfection. This attribute explains why God intervened - His righteousness required defending His people and judging oppressors. The phrase 'cut asunder the cords' pictures God severing the ropes or chains that bound Israel. 'Cords of the wicked' represent bondage, oppression, and control enemies exercised. The imagery shifts from plowing (v. 3) to binding and cutting - enemies not only wounded but enslaved; God not only healed but liberated. The verb 'cut asunder' (Hebrew 'qatsats') means to sever completely, leaving no partial attachment. God's deliverance is thorough, not incomplete. This verse provides the theological center of the psalm - God's righteous character guarantees His intervention against oppressors.