Psalm 129:5

Psalm 129:5

Hatred of Zion

Verse 4 of this Psalm declares that the Lord had cut His people free, that they had been liberated from the cords of the wicked. Most commentators take this to be a reference to Babylon and that the writer was one of those who had been freed from captivity. He is therefore reflecting on his experiences and also praying for divine retribution against those who had brought so much suffering and tribulation to Israel. This theme is pursued in Psalm 137 where brutal language is used to describe the anticipated fate of the Babylonians. 

There have been many nations and individuals who have hated Zion over the centuries. Many do not realise that their hatred is not only directed against a country and its people but also reflects on the God who called those people and established them. Even if we do not like what the Jews do or what they stand for, we should be careful to not allow that to develop into hatred or any other form of prejudice, for these are still God’s chosen ones and in them we see only a reflection of ourselves. The writer here is not vitriolic against those who hate Zion, he simply asks that the Lord cause them to turn back from their aggression and that they might hang their heads in shame for their attitudes and wicked intentions. Not something that has happened very often throughout history, I’m afraid!

David captured these sentiments perfectly in Psalm 5 when speaking of the enemies of Israel he wrote, “Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against You. But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.” Psalm 5:10-11. Hallelujah!

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