(1) The Song of Ascent composed by Shlomo. If God does not build a house, those who build it labor in vain; if God does not protect the city, the watchman watches in vain. (2) It is in vain that you rise early, sit up late, and eat the bread of sorrow, while he gives to his beloved when he sleeps. (3) This is God's inheritance, children, and his reward is the fruit of the womb. (4) As arrows are in the hand of a hero, so are young sons. (5) Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them! They will not remain ashamed when they talk to opponents in goal.

128.

(1) The Song of Ascent. Happy is everyone who fears God, walks in His ways! (2) If you eat of the labor of your hands, you will be happy and well with you! (H) Your wife is like a fruitful vine in your house; Your sons are like olive seedlings around your table. (4) This is how the man who fears God will be blessed! (5) God will bless you from Zion, and you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (6) You will see sons among your sons. Peace be upon Israel!

129.

(1) The Song of Ascent. "They have oppressed me many times since my youth, let Israel say. 2 They have oppressed me much since my youth, but they have not prevailed against me. (3) On my ridge the ploughmen ploughed and made their long furrows. (4) But God is righteous: he has broken the bands of evildoers. (5) Let all those who hate Zion be ashamed and turn back. (6) Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which dries up before it is uprooted, (7) with which the reaper will not fill his hand, nor the one who binds the sheaves will fill his handfuls. (8) And those who pass by will not say, "God's blessing be upon you! We bless you in the name of God!'" [284].

130.

(1) The Song of Ascent. From the depths I call upon Thee, O God! (2) Lord! Hear my voice! Let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. (3) God, if you keep your sins, Lord, who will stand? (4) But you have forgiveness, so that they may revere you. (5) I trust in God, my soul trusts, I trust in his word. (6) My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen wait for the morning, and more than the watchmen for the morning. (7) Let Israel trust in God, for God has mercy and great deliverance with him. (8) And he will deliver Israel from all their sins.

131.

(1) The Song of David's Ascent. God! My heart was not haughty, and my eyes were not lifted up, I did not enter into the great things that were unattainable to me. (2) If I have not humbled and comforted my soul, as a babe weaned from its mother's breast... My soul was in me like a child weaned. (3) Let Israel trust in God from now on and forever.