Psalms 127
A psalm on building, resting, and raising children under God.
Psalm 127 opens with the well-known warning that builders and watchmen labor "in vain" without the LORD's blessing, a truth captured directly in Psalms 127:1. It follows the joyful harvest imagery of Psalms 126 with a matching lesson about dependence on God for daily provision.
Except יהוה build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except יהוה keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of יהוה: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Joyful is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.