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Psalms 128

Psalms128

New King James Version

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1 Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.

2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.

5 The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.

6 Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

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Psalms 128

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 128. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

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.

Cross References

Psalms 128

Poole contrasts eating the labor of one's hands with Deuteronomy's curse of others eating it.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v3Zechariah 8:5thematic

JFB notes Zec 8 as a virtual commentary, specifically correlating children in the streets/table.

Supported by JFB

v6Psalms 125:5thematic

Both Psalms close with the identical blessing and prayer: 'peace upon Israel'.

Supported by JFB

v2Isaiah 65:21-23thematic

Calvin highlights enjoying the fruit of one's labor as the reversal of the covenant curse.

Supported by John Calvin

v3Psalms 52:8thematic

JFB connects the flourishing family to the metaphor of the luxuriant green olive tree.

Supported by JFB

v1Psalms 112:1thematic

Calvin notes the identical core principle: true blessedness belongs to those who fear Jehovah.

Supported by John Calvin

v3Psalms 127:3thematic

Calvin connects the previous Psalm's declaration of children as a heritage to this Psalm's olive plants.

Supported by John Calvin

v5Psalms 122:6thematic

Poole links personal, domestic happiness with seeking and rejoicing in the peace of Jerusalem.

Supported by Matthew Poole