Psalms 127

Psalms 127:1

Title. for Solomon] Or, of Solomon, Psal. 72.

EXcept the Lord build the house] It may be taken, for building the house, or encreasing the family, Exodus 1:21.

that build it] Heb. that are builders of it in it: or, they labour in vain about it, that build it.

except the Lord keep the city] The publike estate of the common-wealth.

Psalms 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early] Which watch and ward: or, which labour hard for your living.

to eat the bread of sorrows] Gotten by hard labour and care, Genesis 3:19.

so he giveth] Or, he doth rightly give.

he giveth] Your care cannot bring you true rest, but Gods blessing will, Proverbs 10:22.

his beloved sleep] It may be an allusion to Solomons name, Jedidiah, 2 Samuel 12:25.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord] Genesis 33:5. and 48. 4. Josh. 24. 3, 4. Begotten while their parents are young, and which may live to comfort them in their old age. See the contrary, Genesis 44:20.

Psalms 127:5

hath his quiver full of them] Heb. hath filled his quiver with them.

they shall not be ashamed] Their children will be ready to plead for them, and to right them, when they are wronged by others: or, their enemies cannot shame them, with objecting to them the bad breeding, or vices of their children, if they have many good ones, Proverbs 27:11.

shall speak with] Or, shall subdue, as Psalms 18:47. or, destroy.

in the gate] The wonted place of most opposition, either in civill quarrels, or in hostile attempts.