시편 Chapter 127

Translation: ESV

1

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Key Message

Without God building, all human effort is in vain; true success depends on working together with God.

▸This pilgrimage psalm of Solomon declares that all human effort is in vain without God's permission and help.

This pilgrimage psalm of Solomon declares that all human effort is in vain without God's permission and help. Building a house, guarding a city—the most fundamental human endeavors are meaningless without God's involvement. This is the paradox.

Related Verses

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
2

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Key Message

Restful trust in God bears greater fruit than compulsive toil; sleep is a gift of trust.

▸This warns that the compulsive toil of rising early and going to bed late may be in vain.

3

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Key Message

Children are not the possessions of parents but God's heritage—the reward he has entrusted.

▸Children are not human achievements but the LORD's heritage—a legacy entrusted by God.

5

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Key Message

Children who are God's heritage become a blessing that supports and protects their parents' lives.

▸Children are compared to arrows, depicting them as instruments and representatives of their parents.