Psalm 127 Commentary
The first three verses appear to be satirical in nature. They would fit a direct extract from the Book of Proverbs.
But what is the prophet talking about?
We have two extreme examples. First: A construction project where “everything” is management, from a decision to build to architectural designs and actual work. Of course, we have another version of human management when it comes to security.
Second: Children.
The scripture wants us to learn something. We have children, not because we planned to have them. It’s God who put that desire in us to have children, so we have them! God gave both the desire and the capability!
Everything about childbearing is divine. We do nothing in the process! We are simply containers of the purposes and capabilities of the Creator God!
Building your own house is an extreme example. Everything about it looks quite human. You decide to build. You determine the location, size, and materials to use. You also decide when and how to go about it.
But all of it boils down to the fact that God is behind it all!
The scripture is talking about the blessedness that you don’t work for; the blessedness that you cannot actually work for. So it’s not the physical house since we have seen many wicked people build and actually live in their mansions.
We have seen money provide physical insurance against all sorts of losses. But the scripture is not talking about this kind of blessedness that you can work for.
Children are a heritage; so is blessedness. What a perfect picture! The gift of God is free, but it remains a gift. It must be given by the LORD Jesus Christ.
And the ending to this psalm offers more thoughts about the final judgment. The blessed man stands in court, but he doesn’t suffer shame because of his ‘children’. It speaks of the advantage, of final salvation, and of final restoration, all on account of the gift we cannot work for. Salvation is a free gift. Men and women can receive it.
So, unless the LORD builds the house, the builders build in vain. What a scripture!
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