Psalms128
English Standard Version
1A of . is everyone who the Lord, who in his !
2You shall the fruit of the of your ; you shall be , and it shall be with you.
3Your will be like a your ; your will be like your .
4 , shall the be who the Lord.
5The Lord you ! May you the of the of your !
6May you your ! be !
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 128.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The blessings of those who fear God. (1-6).
vv1-6
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.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
אֶשֶׁר: happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
יָרֵא: fearing; morally, reverent
הָלַךְ: to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דֶּרֶךְ: a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אָכַל: to eat (literally or figuratively)
יְגִיעַ: toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)
כַּף: the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); figuratively, power
טוֹב: good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)
Cross References
Psalms 128Poole contrasts eating the labor of one's hands with Deuteronomy's curse of others eating it.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
JFB notes Zec 8 as a virtual commentary, specifically correlating children in the streets/table.
Supported by JFB
Both Psalms close with the identical blessing and prayer: 'peace upon Israel'.
Supported by JFB
Calvin highlights enjoying the fruit of one's labor as the reversal of the covenant curse.
Supported by John Calvin
JFB connects the flourishing family to the metaphor of the luxuriant green olive tree.
Supported by JFB
Calvin notes the identical core principle: true blessedness belongs to those who fear Jehovah.
Supported by John Calvin
Calvin connects the previous Psalm's declaration of children as a heritage to this Psalm's olive plants.
Supported by John Calvin
Poole links personal, domestic happiness with seeking and rejoicing in the peace of Jerusalem.
Supported by Matthew Poole