Psalms 128

A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD.

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.

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Psalms 128 Commentary

Chapter 128

The blessings of those who fear God.

- 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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

Cross References 13

1. Psalms 103:11; S Psalms 112:1
2. Psalms 119:1-3
3. S Psalms 58:11; Psalms 109:11; Isaiah 3:10
4. S Genesis 39:3; Proverbs 10:22; Ecclesiastes 8:12
5. S Genesis 49:22; Ezekiel 19:10
6. S Job 29:5
7. Psalms 52:8; Psalms 144:12
8. S Psalms 1:1
9. Psalms 112:1
10. S Psalms 20:2; Psalms 134:3
11. Psalms 122:9
12. S Genesis 48:11; Genesis 50:23; Job 42:16
13. S Psalms 125:5

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 128

\\<>\\. This psalm very probably was written by the same hand as the former, and seems to have some connection with it; as that shows that all things depend on the providence and goodness of God; and that all blessings, particularly children, are the gift of God; this points out the blessings, civil and religious, that belong to good men; and, among the rest, a numerous offspring. According to the Syriac version, ``it is said concerning Zerubbabel, prince of Judah; and the care of the building: and it intimates in it the calling of Gentiles.'' Manythings in it may be applied Christ and his church.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible