Worthy.Bible » YLT » Psalms » Chapter 127 » Verse 1-5

Psalms 127:1-5 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 A Song of the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked.

2 Vain for you who are rising early, Who delay sitting, eating the bread of griefs, So He giveth to His beloved one sleep.

3 Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah `are' sons, A reward `is' the fruit of the womb.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty one, So `are' the sons of the young men.

5 O the happiness of the man Who hath filled his quiver with them, They are not ashamed, For they speak with enemies in the gate!

Commentary on Psalms 127 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 127

Ps 127:1-5. The theme of this Psalm, that human enterprises only succeed by the divine blessing, was probably associated with the building of the temple by Solomon, its author. It may have been adopted in this view, as suited to this series especially, as appropriately expressing the sentiments of God's worshippers in relation to the erection of the second temple.

1, 2. suggest the view of the theme given.

2. so he giveth his beloved sleep—that is, His providential care gives sleep which no efforts of ours can otherwise procure, and this is a reason for trust as to other things (compare Mt 6:26-32).

3-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Ge 30:2, 18; 1Sa 1:19, 20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.

5. adversaries in the gate—or place of public business (compare Job 5:4; Ps 69:12).