What does Psalm 129:3 mean?

This psalm notes Israel's long history of suffering at the hands of enemies (Psalm 129:1–2). The symbolism in this verse can be taken in at least two ways. Modern readers will probably imagine someone being viciously whipped or beaten; this would leave noticeable scars.

However, the Hebrew phrasing used here seems to emphasize the ongoing nature of these persecutions. Plows make a continuous cut through a field, before turning around to make the next one. Making the furrows long would mean only short breaks between extended times of destruction. In the same way, Israel has experienced near-constant harassment from their foes (Exodus 1:8–14; 17:8; Judges 2:16–19; Isaiah 36:1; 2 Chronicles 36:17–21).

Jesus experienced the more literal version of this suffering prior to His crucifixion. This was predicted by Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 50:6; 53:4–5). Peter reflected on these wounds and what they represented for believers (1 Peter 2:24). The apostle Paul also experienced physical beating as a consequence of his ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23–25).