Verse 1

CONTENTS

This Psalm contains a pious and devout acknowledgment, that all blessings are from the Lord. Neither the builder, nor the soldier, nor the master of a family, can be successful in their several callings, but from the divine mercy.

A Song of Degrees for Solomon.

Psalms 127:1

Under two striking similitudes, the sacred Writer points out the vast necessity of looking stedfastly, and continually to God, for his blessing upon every concern. He instanceth the cases of the builder, and the soldier. No builder like him that buildeth for eternity; no soldier like him that fights, or watcheth for an immortal victory: but whence, for either shall we hope for success, except we be founded in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Verse 2

Anxiety and care will never improve either by exertion, for the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Ecclesiastes 9:11; Zechariah 4:6.

Verses 3-5

How truly blessed is it to a gracious parent, when the Lord giveth gracious children! What a blessed meeting will that be in glory, when such shall surround the throne! The Lord Jesus is introduced by the Prophet, as presenting his seed, his people, which the Father hath given to him, in that day, saying, Behold I, and the children whom the Lord hath given me. And the apostle quotes it by way of confirmation in allusion to Christ: Isaiah 8:18, compared with Hebrews 2:13. And may we not say of under pastors in Christ's household, who labour in the word and doctrine; how truly blessed to see the fruit of those labours, at that day, in precious souls, won by the word, under the Spirit's quickening and regenerating power, to Jesus! It will be a blessed surprise to many a faithful servant of Jesus at that day to behold such! And parents also! no doubt many among them will find cause to bless the Lord, and not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Verse 5

REFLECTIONS

MY soul! art thou building for eternity? See that Jesus be the foundation-stone. Art thou warring a good warfare? See that thou prove thyself a good soldier of Jesus Christ, by taking to thee the whole armour of God. Hast thou a family of children rising up about thee? Oh! dedicate them to the Lord, and see that they are brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In every department, and in every case, look to the Lord Jesus for all, and make him the Alpha and Omega of all. Oh! the blessedness of children begotten of God: adopted into his family; the image of Jesus impressed upon them, and the Spirit of Jesus in their hearts. Jesus will then give his beloved sleep; dearly they are beloved by Jesus, for they are the gift of his Father, and the purchase of his blood; and he will guide them, protect them, provide for them: when they wander, he will reclaim them; when they grow cold, his love will again warm them. They shall be always under his almighty eye; and his almighty arm will always be stretched forth for their guidance and defense. My soul! art thou the faithful builder on Jesus; the diligent watchman for Jesus, and of the family of faith in Jesus?