What was Plowmen?

The term Plowmen in Psalm 129:3 refers symbolically to oppressors who inflicted great suffering upon Israel. In Hebrew, the word used is חָרַשׁ (charash), meaning “to plow” or “to engrave,” conveying a vivid image of deep wounds like furrows in a field. The verse says: “Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.” This poetic imagery paints a painful picture of prolonged affliction and humiliation, not by literal farmers but by tyrants, foreign nations, and oppressors who treated Israel with cruelty.

The plowmen here are not individuals by name but a metaphorical representation of Israel‘s enemies throughout its history—Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and others who mistreated the covenant people of God. Their “plowing” refers to the severe persecutions and injustices Israel endured, especially as a result of disobedience or divine testing. This expression encapsulates the national memory of suffering, reminding readers of the pain inflicted upon the people of God, yet also pointing to the faithful deliverance that followed.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Psalm 129:1-3 – “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth—let Israel say— they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.”

• Exodus 1:11-14 – The Israelites were enslaved and harshly oppressed in Egypt.

• Isaiah 51:23 – “You have made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked over.”

• Lamentations 3:34-36 – Describes unjust oppression as trampling and twisting of justice.

• Acts 7:6 – Stephen recalls the 400 years of oppression in a foreign land.

Explanation and Interpretation

Psalm 129 is one of the Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. This psalm recounts the affliction Israel has endured from its youth, symbolized by the image of plowmen cutting deep furrows into the back of the nation—an image that denotes pain, humiliation, and injustice.

The “plowmen” are not to be understood literally as agricultural workers but as an evocative metaphor for Israel’s enemies. The “furrows” symbolize long-lasting wounds, deep scars inflicted by those who ruled over Israel harshly. Despite this painful imagery, the tone of the psalm turns toward hope and deliverance, as it proclaims that the oppressors did not ultimately prevail.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, plowing was a familiar and essential task. Farmers used oxen to pull wooden plows that would dig furrows into the soil, preparing it for seed. In this psalm, the image of a back being plowed draws a brutal parallel between soil and human flesh, suggesting the level of abuse and cruelty Israel endured.

Throughout its history, Israel was subjugated by many foreign powers—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. These nations not only exploited Israel but often attempted to erase its identity, culture, and worship of Yahweh. Yet Israel survived, bearing scars but not being destroyed.

Theological Implications

This passage highlights three theological truths:

1. God’s people are often afflicted – Suffering is not alien to the people of God. From Egypt to Babylon, and even into the era of the early church, persecution has been part of the faithful experience.

2. Oppression does not mean defeat – The enemies “have not gained the victory” (Psalm 129:2). The covenant promises of God sustain His people even when they are afflicted.

3. God is the righteous Judge – The psalm goes on to declare that the Lord cuts the cords of the wicked (v.4), signifying His ultimate justice and deliverance.

Literary Analysis

Psalm 129 uses metaphor and parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry. The image of “plowing the back” is visceral and conveys both emotional and physical suffering. The psalm balances lament with assurance, suffering with hope, grounding the nation’s endurance not in its own strength but in the covenant-keeping faithfulness of God.

The progression from past oppression (v.1–3) to divine justice (v.4–8) underscores a key biblical pattern: suffering followed by salvation. The text functions as both a national lament and a declaration of faith.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The plowing of Israel’s back prefigures the suffering of Christ, who was also scourged, beaten, and afflicted unjustly. Isaiah 53:5 says, “By his wounds we are healed.” Just as Israel bore unjust punishment, so did Jesus—yet unlike Israel, He bore it willingly for our sake.

In Christ, the deepest “furrows” of sin, shame, and oppression are healed. The plowmen’s victory was temporary and incomplete; Jesus’ resurrection is the eternal triumph over sin and death. Through His suffering, the ultimate Oppressor—Satan—is overthrown, and the people of God are set free.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Suffering and Endurance – God’s people are called to endure suffering, trusting in His ultimate deliverance (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

• Divine Justice – The wicked may flourish for a time, but God will judge them (Psalm 37:1-2; Revelation 20:10).

• God’s Faithfulness – Despite oppression, God preserves His people for His purposes (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:13).

• Christ’s Identification with Sufferers – Jesus not only understands suffering but shares in it to bring redemption (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21-24).

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways have you experienced seasons of unjust treatment or prolonged suffering?

2. How does the image of “plowmen making furrows” help you relate to the pain of others—or your own pain?

3. Where do you see God’s faithfulness even in seasons of affliction?

4. How does the suffering of Jesus transform your understanding of endurance and hope?

5. What enemies or “plowmen” in your life do you need to trust God to deal with in His justice?

“Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long”—but they have not prevailed. The wounds of the faithful are never wasted, for they are sown with the seeds of hope, watered by tears, and harvested in the joy of resurrection.