6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, 7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand or the binder of sheaves his bosom, 8 while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 129:6-8

Commentary on Psalm 129:5-8

(Read Psalm 129:5-8)

While God's people shall flourish as the loaded palm-tree, or the green and fruitful olive, their enemies shall wither as the grass upon the house-tops, which in eastern countries are flat, and what grows there never ripens; so it is with the designs of God's enemies. No wise man will pray the Lord to bless these mowers or reapers. And when we remember how Jesus arose and reigns; how his people have been supported, like the burning but unconsumed bush, we shall not fear.