127 1 He showeth that the whole estate of the world, both domestical and political, standeth by God’s mere providence and blessing, 3 And that to have children well nurtured, is an especial grace and gift of God.
A song of degrees, or Psalm of Solomon.
1 Except the Lord [a]build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the [b]city, the keeper watcheth in vain.
2 It is in vain for [c]you to rise early, and to lie down late, and eat the bread [d]of sorrow: but he will surely give [e]rest to his beloved.
3 Behold, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb his reward.
4 As are the arrows in the hand of the strong man; so are the [f]children of youth.
5 Blessed is the man that hath his quiver full of them: for they [g]shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Footnotes
- Psalm 127:1 That is, govern and dispose all things pertaining to the family.
- Psalm 127:1 The public estate of the commonwealth.
- Psalm 127:2 Which watch and ward, and are also magistrates, and rulers of the city.
- Psalm 127:2 Either that which is gotten by hard labor, or eaten with grief of mind.
- Psalm 127:2 Not exempting them from labor, but making their labors comfortable, and as it were a rest.
- Psalm 127:4 That is, endued with strength and virtues from God: for these are signs of God’s blessings, and not the number.
- Psalm 127:5 Such children shall be able to stop their adversaries’ mouths, when their godly life is maliciously accused before Judges.