Psalms 127

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

• Unless: These conditional statements emphasize that the Lord is the one who protects the city (compare Psalm 124:1–2).

• Human effort achieves nothing unless the Lord blesses it (see Psalm 44:3).

• you rise early and stay up late: This phrase describes people who work constantly and live with pressure and competition.

• Those whom God loves can rest and sleep in peace (Psalm 3:5; 4:8).

Blessings and protection come from God. Without his presence, success is not possible (Psalm 127:1–2). This is especially true for children, who are gifts from God (Psalm 127:3–5).

Children are one of God’s blessings. In Hebrew, the word for children (banim) sounds like the word for builders (bonim; Psalm 127:1). This wordplay shows that having children helps build a family.

Like arrows: The image compares children to arrows in a warrior’s hand. Children strengthen and support the family and help defend its honor when others accuse or oppose them (compare Psalms 120:4; 7:12–13).