Bible Commentaries
Psalms 127

Verses 1-5

Psalms 127

Security In the Lord

Scripture v. 1-5:

Verse 1 warns that unless the Lord builds the house they who build it labor in vain. A house built without a place for God is built in vain. It is added, as a parallel principle, that, "except the Lord keep (guard) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain," falls to sleep on his watch, without the Lord to keep him awake, as a watchman, See? Both the building and its occupants are in a vain state without God, is the idea, Psalms 121:1; Psalms 3:5; Proverbs 8:34.

Verse 2 certifies that it is a vain (empty) thing for men to rise up early, sit up later, (work and watch), "to eat the bread of shame," of disappointment of failure without God, Genesis 3:17; Genesis 3:19. "For so he giveth (continually) his beloved sleep," Job 9:35; Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:34; Psalms 60:5. The sleep of the sluggard is never commended, but of faithful laborers, Proverbs 6:9-10; Proverbs 31:15-27.

Verse 3 asserts "children are (exist as) an heritage of the Lord," as set forth. "And the fruit of the womb is his reward;" Each soul belongs to Him, as His offspring, Ezekiel 18:4-5; Genesis 30:2; Deuteronomy 7:13; Acts 17:29; Genesis 48:4; Joshua 24:3-4.

Verse 4 declares that as arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, a man of war-power, so are children of the youth. They are brought to strength of years, to protect and care for their parents in old age, Deuteronomy 28:4; Genesis 49:3; Isaiah 54:6.

Verse 5 concludes that happy (spiritually prosperous) is the man that has filled his quiver with them, these protective children-arrows for his old age. "They shall not be ashamed (of their father) but shall speak with the enemies in the gate," the court of justice, and prevail, Through dependence on the Lord," Psalms 69:12; Psalms 18:47; Deuteronomy 28:4-8.