Psalms 127

Psalms 127:1-5

“ The Lord Hath Done Great Things for Us” Psalms 126:1-6; Psalms 127:1-5 The circumstances under which this psalm was written are evident upon its face. The exiles, lately back from Babylon, are rejoicing in the gladness of their return. But their joy was not complete so long as the larger portion of their nation were still in bondage. The metaphor of streams in the South is derived from the rapidity with which dry water-courses become flushed with torrent streams. The returned exiles longed to see the vacant solitudes of their land suddenly filled with returning crowds. They asked that their tears might be the seeds of mighty harvests. Let not the Christian worker count as lost the seeds he sows or the tears in which he steeps them. That doubtless is God’ s guarantee. Psalms 127:1-5 This psalm was probably suggested by Ezra’ s efforts to rebuild the Temple. We cannot succeed apart from God, but must be His fellow-workers. See Proverbs 10:22. The bread of trouble is that which is hardly obtained, where labor is severe, and the results slow. Beware of needless anxiety. As builders, Psalms 127:1, look to God for plan, materials, and co-operation. As watchers, Psalms 127:1, commit all keeping to God’ s watch and ward. As toilers, Psalms 127:2, have a little more quiet rest and ease of mind. As parents, Psalms 127:3-5, do not shrink from parental responsibilities; when you are old, your children will answer for you.

Except the Lord build This Psalm may have been suggested to Solomon by the building of the temple. It teaches us to depend in all our undertakings on the blessing of God. The Divine blessing is the only true source of prosperity. It should be sought on the threshold of every undertaking.

Psalms 127:1. Except the Lord build the house There is no condemnation implied here against our building and watching, but against our doing anything independently of God. If we would succeed, we must be fellow-workers with Him (Proverbs 10:22).

Psalms 127:2. Bread of sorrows is that eaten amid hard labor; rising early and sitting late thereat; reminding us of the ancient curse. What a picture this is of the anxiety and care which fall to the lot of so many! On the other hand, the beloved children of God, while they do not slack their toils (2 Thessalonians 3:12), are yet relieved of the over-pressure of the nightmare of care. When they have done their best, they leave the results to God and sleep peacefully. By night the blessing or deliverance comes to them, they know not how. There is an alternative reading preferred by some: “He giveth unto his beloved in sleep.” Those who know God as a Father know His blessing even when they are resting and asleep.

Psalms 127:3. Children are an heritage of the Lord We have here an illustration of how all we have is due to the Lord’s tender care. Our family life is his gift (compare Genesis 30:2; Genesis 33:5).

Psalms 127:4-5. Happy the man that hath his quiver full!Figures are multiplied in these verses, which have thus been expounded in rhyme by Tate and Brady:

As arrows in a giant’s hand When marching forth to war, On Fearing the Lord e’en so the sons of sprightly youth Their parents’ safeguard are.

Happy the man whose quiver’s filled With these prevailing arms; He needs not fear to meet his foe At law, or war’s alarms.

Contending armies of a besieged city would meet at the gate (Judges 16:2; Isaiah 22:7). In view of the teaching of Psa 127:3, it appears that the comfort and support which dutiful children render to parents is of the Lord’s appointment.