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“Psalm 127: Unless the Lord Builds the House” Psalm 127

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Buck Anderson Grace Bible Church Southwood “Psalm 127: Unless the Lord Builds the House” Psalm 127 The Song of Ascents (Pilgrim Song) reminds us that only total dependence on the Lord's intervention ensures a worthwhile and successful family life. Psalm 127 Wisdom Psalm “A Song of Ascents” Psalms120-134 are the Songs of Ascents Also: Pilgrim Songs, Songs of Degrees or Gradual Psalms So named because the pilgrim Israelites sang them as they traveled from their homes all over the land and ascended Mt. Zion/Jerusalem (2600’) for the annual feasts (Lev. 23) “A Song of Ascents” – found in all 15 Expresses the confidence & hope of worshippers Meant to provide travel inspiration David wrote at least 4 (122, 124, 131, 133) 10 are anonymous Solomon wrote Psalm 127 The Songs of Ascents Jerusalem (Zion): “Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem”(122:2) Peace (shalom): “Peace be upon Israel” (125:5; 128:6) God’s protection : “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain”(127:1) The blessing of children : “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table” (128:3) The Festivals in Zion The Hebrew Calendar (Leviticus 23): #1 Passover (Spring) Feast of Unleavened Bread & Firstfruits #2 Feast of Weeks (Early Summer) Pentecost; Shabouth #3 Feast of Trumpets (Fall) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Feast of Tabernacles/Booths The Songs of Ascents I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-2 Psalm 127 Solomon as songwriter He wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs He wrote Psalms 72 & 127 He wrote Song of Songs/Song of Solomon Solomon terms in Psalm 127 include: Building the house (temple) “Beloved” (his other name = Jedediah) “Vain” (Ecclesiastes) Psalm 127 A Song of Ascents, of Solomon. 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. 3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127 Outline I. Building a family is meaningless without the divine intervention of the Lord (1-2). II. The Lord’s provision of children ensures happy security of the family (3-5). I. Building a family is meaningless without the divine intervention of the Lord (1-2). 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain . Key phrase: “Unless the Lord” We participate but God “causes” results “Vain” = empty, futile; pointless; false purpose Parallel terms: build/labor & guards/keeps awake 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. “Vain” governs the 3 infinitive clauses (“to ____”) Early/Late imagery = “to try to make the day longer” “Eat the bread of painful sorrows” = sorrowful anxiety & stress produced the bread Point: A long, industrious day is not wrong. But if done through anxiety and stress, in a life of fear and worry without the Lord, then it is futile and dishonors the Lord. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. “For He gives…” serves as a contrast to the other way of life just described—the “vain” life. What does He give? (2 views): A) Provision (while sleeping) B) Sleep itself (and our “rest” in His provision) II. The Lord’s provision of children ensures happy security of the family (3-5). 3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward . Gift = “ inheritance ” (portion, possession, heritage) Blessing & trust extended to the heir (parents) Reward = common OT term for “ wage; pay ” POINT: The Hebrews saw children as the greatest blessing and enrichment God could give to their lives. The Lord’s provision of children ensures happy security of the family (3-5). 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Arrows = “weapons” & “words” Defend and care for the family’s well-being Blessed = “asher” (the enjoyment of righteousness) .
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