Psalm 127: God at the centre of our lives

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

[Preliminary Comments: In this eighth short psalm of ascents, having the Lord at the heart of your life is seen to be the key to blessing.  First in establishing a home [v.1], then in our work [v.2], then in our families [v.3-5]. This is sometimes specified, sometimes implied – but nevertheless true.]

v.1 Unless God is there, seeking to establish a home will be fruitless

v.1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.

v.2 [Without God] When work fills your day, sleep only comes to the righteous

v.2 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat –
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

v.3 Families grow with the blessing of God

v.3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.

v.4 Children thus bring strength to the family

v.4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.

v.5 The family is built, strengthened and made secure by children

v.5 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

[Additional Comments: Perhaps few psalms reveal the paucity of modern life in the West more than this one. In a world where we struggle to get a home, struggle in working all hours, and struggle with every dimension of family life, this psalm stands out as a standard [flag] flying high that proclaims God’s blessing on all these activities WHEN He is allowed to be at the centre of our lives. In ascending the hill of the Lord to worship Him, this recognition was a necessary prerequisite for He is Lord of every aspect of life.

After perhaps going back and meditating on individual verses, now read it meaningfully out loud straight through

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat –
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court.

   

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: