(Theme: Selections from the Psalms—Faith Set to Music)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain…Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is His reward.” – Psalm 127:1, 3 (NKJV. Read Psalm 127).
How full of wisdom is this short psalm! Solomon is the author, that King noted for writing some Psalms and Proverbs. A notation calls this one “A Song of Ascents.” This term could read “A Song of Degrees.” In Hebrew temple worship, it is one of the “ma’aloth” or “going up” songs. Jerusalem was completely surrounded by mountains. From whichever way worshipers approached, they “went up” to the temple at Jerusalem. As they approached, they sang, sometimes antiphonally, or one group singing one statement and the other group answering with the next. It could also refer to the steps of the temple on which the Levites stood to sing songs such as this one. At any rate, it was a worship song, a wisdom psalm, and one frequently used in literally “going up,” whether geographically or on the fifteen steps leading from the court of the women to the court of Israel in the Temple.
The wisdom deals with labor and children—both of which are blessings from the Lord and both of which should be considered as we worship.
In our building (a synonym for life), God the Sovereign Architect, should be consulted. Otherwise, our building is in vain. In keeping guard at the city gates, dependence on God the Protector is necessary. It is foolish to labor so much and be so concerned about results that one cannot sleep. “For He gives his beloved sleep” (Ps. 127:2). Work hard, give an honest day’s toil, don’t worry, but leave the results to God.
Family matters are concerns to God. Children are a heritage from Him. Solomon gave a simile to show that children are like arrows in a warrior’s hand. They offer security and happiness. Think of children who honor parents and God. Indeed, they bring their parents joy and they bring glory to God. And although it is not mentioned in this Psalm of Ascents, the implication is very strong from Solomon’s Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Children are definitely a blessing from the Lord, but parents have a responsibility to and for them. Just as the laborer is worthy of his hire in building a strong building, so parents are to bring up strong and responsible children. This psalm teaches us that we should take seriously matters of work and family. These are paramount concerns of our daily life, as we “ascend to worship.” God is ready to assist with these weighty and important aspects of our life.
The wisdom deals with labor and children—both of which are blessings from the Lord and both of which should be considered as we worship.
In our building (a synonym for life), God the Sovereign Architect, should be consulted. Otherwise, our building is in vain. In keeping guard at the city gates, dependence on God the Protector is necessary. It is foolish to labor so much and be so concerned about results that one cannot sleep. “For He gives his beloved sleep” (Ps. 127:2). Work hard, give an honest day’s toil, don’t worry, but leave the results to God.
Family matters are concerns to God. Children are a heritage from Him. Solomon gave a simile to show that children are like arrows in a warrior’s hand. They offer security and happiness. Think of children who honor parents and God. Indeed, they bring their parents joy and they bring glory to God. And although it is not mentioned in this Psalm of Ascents, the implication is very strong from Solomon’s Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Children are definitely a blessing from the Lord, but parents have a responsibility to and for them. Just as the laborer is worthy of his hire in building a strong building, so parents are to bring up strong and responsible children. This psalm teaches us that we should take seriously matters of work and family. These are paramount concerns of our daily life, as we “ascend to worship.” God is ready to assist with these weighty and important aspects of our life.
c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, May 27, 2010
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