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.
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.
Vain for you who are rising early, Who delay sitting, eating the bread of griefs, So He giveth to His beloved one sleep.
Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah `are' sons, A reward `is' the fruit of the womb.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty one, So `are' the sons of the young men.
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!