Psalm 127 explained: Hard Work, Rest, and Family

Building and guarding (v. 1)

Builders and night guards were ordinary pictures of hard, responsible work, and the psalm says all of it comes to nothing unless the LORD is the one really building and protecting. The word "house" can also mean a family line, and since the heading links this song to Solomon, some read a hint of the temple he built or the royal family he led.

Worry that steals sleep (v. 2)

Getting up early, staying up late, and eating food earned with strain is called pointless if it is driven by worry, because rest itself is a gift God gives to those he loves. The Hebrew of the last line is unclear, so it may instead mean God provides for his loved ones even while they sleep, and some note a possible play on Solomon's other name, Jedidiah, "loved by the LORD."

Children as a gift (v. 3)

Children are described as an inheritance and a reward, meaning a family is something received from God and not simply produced. In that world a family's land and future passed through its children, so this was high praise.

Arrows at the city gate (vv. 4-5)

Children born while the parents are young will be grown and strong when the parents age, like arrows ready in a warrior's hand. Courts and public disputes were held at the town gate, and a man backed by grown children could not easily be pushed around or cheated there.

Key verse: Psalm 127:1

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether verses 3 to 5 encourage having as many children as possible or simply celebrate children as a gift without setting any standard for family size.

Something to think about

Where in your life does effort stop helping and start costing you rest, and how do you tell the difference?