Psalms Chapter 128 A Song of Ascents.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.
2 For you will eat the labour of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife will be as a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house, your children like olive plants around your table.
4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.
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Psalms Chapter 128 A Song of Ascents. Guide
This song naturally follows the one in which Jehovah’s relation to the home, as building and establishing it, is recognised. It is chiefly interesting as it reveals the singer’s conception of the relation between the prosperity of the family and that of the city.
As to the home, the condition of its prosperity is declared to be fear of the Lord, walking in His ways. Then the resulting blessings are promised. This blessedness of home life issues in the good of Jerusalem. The line of development is most important; the God-fearing man, the God-fearing family, the God-fearing city.
This song of the worshippers ascending toward the city and temple is one the application of which is of perpetual importance. The strength of any city lies in its strong family life. The true strength of the family issues from its ordering in the fear of the Lord. It is of real significance that these songs of home and of true civic consciousness are found among those which are sung on the way that leads to worship. It is ever good to carry into the place of our communion with God the interests of home and city. It is only by doing so that we can influence these for their lasting good.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 128 Commentary
>Chapter Outline
- The blessings of those who fear God.
Verses 1-6
Only those who are truly holy, are truly happy. In vain do we pretend to be of those that fear God, if we do not make conscience of keeping stedfastly to his ways. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; whether he be high or low, rich or poor in the world. If thou fear him and walk in his ways, all shall be well with thee while thou livest, better when thou diest, best of all in eternity. By the blessing of God, the godly shall get an honest livelihood. Here is a double promise; they shall have something to do, for an idle life is a miserable, uncomfortable life, and shall have health and strength, and power of mind to do it. They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get. Such as fear the Lord and walk in his ways, are the only happy persons, whatever their station in life may be. They shall have abundant comfort in their family relations. And they shall have all the good things God has promised, and which they pray for. A good man can have little comfort in seeing his children's children, unless he sees peace upon Israel. Every true believer rejoices in the prosperity of the church. Hereafter we shall see greater things, with the everlasting peace and rest that remain for the Israel of God.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.