Psalm 127

Authorship

This psalm was authored by Solomon.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. The house God builds. (1-2)

A. Is stable: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.

B. Is secure: Except the Lord keep the city:

1. The watchman wakes but in vain.

2. It is vain for you:

(a) To rise up early.

(b) To sit up late.

(c) To eat the bread of sorrows.

(d) For He gives His beloved sleep.

II. The family God builds. (3-5)

A. Children are a heritage of the Lord.

B. The fruit of the womb is His reward.

C. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of youth.

D. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.

E. He shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 127,2A כֵּן {B} MT, α'σ'ε', Hebr, S, T // facil-synt: G clav כי

Ps 127,2B שֵׁנָא {A}