Psalm 127
The Blessedness of Israel When Restored in Their Land
The Blessedness of Israel When Restored in Their Land
Psalm 127. This Psalm gives us the expressions of the restored nation of Israel, relying on the sovereignty of God, and realizing that the Lord alone can restore and unite the nation of Israel.
PSALM 127
A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.
1 Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.
vv.1-2 The Sovereignty of Jehovah. The immediate exercise of the restored nation is to rebuild the “house” and the “city”. They have learned the lesson of the previous temple, which was built in man’s strength. Now they confess “Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it”. There is still a lurking threat, which the soul might naturally be anxious about, but in trusting Jehovah, they can sleep at peace. They as yet dwell in “unwalled villages” (Ezek. 38:11), but they know the Lord can keep them!
3 Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.
vv.3-5 Fruitfulness. The restored nation of Israel will be fruitful, multiplying greatly. Israel’s borders will be expanded (Isa. 26:15; 49:18-21; 54:3) as a result of this! The restored nation will be “arrows in the hand of a mighty man”, like the “exceeding great army” of Ezekiel 37.