Study Desk

A Solomonic song of ascents.

Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain;^(a) unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.^(b)

In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves.^[a](c)

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord , children, a reward.^(d)

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth.^(e)

Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.^(f) Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.^(g)

A song of ascents.

How happy is everyone who fears the Lord , who walks in His ways!^(a)

You will surely eat what your hands have worked for.^(b) You will be happy, and it will go well for you.^(c)

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your sons, like young olive trees around your table.^(d)

In this very way the man who fears the Lord will be blessed.^(e)

May the Lord bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life^(f)

and will see your children's children! Peace be with Israel.^(g)

A song of ascents.

Since my youth they have often attacked me— let Israel say—

Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me.^(a)

Plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.^(b)

The Lord is righteous; He has cut the ropes of the wicked.^(c)

Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace.^(d)

Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it grows up^[a](e)

and can't even fill the hands of the reaper or the arms of the one who binds sheaves.^(f)

Then none who pass by will say, "May the Lord 's blessing be on you." We bless you in the name of Yahweh.^(g)