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Daily Nugget:
At first reading, Psalm 127 seems to be about two separate subjects. However, since it is all one unit and no paragraph separations (¶) are included, which usually is seen when ideas in a chapter change, all that is read must be one teaching.
Other commentators’ insights did not help me understand the connections of what seem to be two different pieces of wisdom, either. The writers I read often contradict each other’s ideas and seem to have a mishmash of theories on what this chapter teaches. One writer (J. Vernon McGee) stated that it was for a different Solomon than David’s son, but he did explain how he came to his conclusion. The more I studied, the more I was confused.
Although it appears to be scattered thoughts, I believe Psalm 127 is one idea. The first two verses tell of three things that are a waste of time (“vain”) without God’s help and approval.
Unless God is the foremost authority, director, and guidance in building a “house,” it will not last. All the writers I read failed to point out that the “house” here is often used to describe a family. The same Hebrew word used here (“bayith”) for “house” is also used in Deuteronomy 25:9, where it refers to a family. Now, with that understanding, Psalm 127:3-5 is connected to the first verses. This chapter talks about building a family that puts God first in all aspects.
It is often futile to raise a family without God. It can also be an exercise of vanity to think where we are living is safe without His help (Psalm 127:1). Often, even our hard work and efforts to better our lives can be for naught unless, again, God is involved. God’s way should be paramount in all we do, especially in raising a family.
We try to better our lives, and we labor for rewards in this life. God’s reward and heritage are our families (Psalm 127:3). It is our offspring that will bless us. They will be our future protection and help when we are old (Psalm 127:4). A large family will make one happy (Psalm 127:5); the more the merrier.
The moral of this Hebrew hymn is that what man strives to make for himself may often be empty and pointless (“vanity”). What we try to build or get, without God being involved, may be useless in our future. The family that God blesses us with has a higher value in God’s eyes. He gave them to us. We should concentrate on involving God in building the family and allowing Him to be involved in every aspect.
Today’s Thought:
“We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” — Voddie Baucham
Words to Understand:
Vain: empty; pointless; without real, enduring value
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 127
1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
