[1] 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.
Build — Assist and bless those that build it.
Verse 2
[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.
You — Builders, or watchmen.
To sit — To use constant and unwearied diligence.
So — By his blessing.
Giveth — Freely, without that immoderate toiling, wherewith others pursue it.
Verse 3
[3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Children — The chief of these blessings.
Heritage — Only from God's blessing, even as an inheritance is not the fruit of a man's own labour, but the gift of God.
Verse 4
[4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Youth — These he prefers before other children, because they live longest with their parents, and to their comfort and support, whereas children born in old age seldom come to maturity before their parents death.
Verse 5
[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.
Full — Who hath a numerous issue.
Shall speak — They shall courageously plead their cause in courts of judicature, not fearing to be crushed by the might of their adversaries.
Psalm 127 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] 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.
Build — Assist and bless those that build it.
Verse 2
[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.
You — Builders, or watchmen.
To sit — To use constant and unwearied diligence.
So — By his blessing.
Giveth — Freely, without that immoderate toiling, wherewith others pursue it.
Verse 3
[3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Children — The chief of these blessings.
Heritage — Only from God's blessing, even as an inheritance is not the fruit of a man's own labour, but the gift of God.
Verse 4
[4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Youth — These he prefers before other children, because they live longest with their parents, and to their comfort and support, whereas children born in old age seldom come to maturity before their parents death.
Verse 5
[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.
Full — Who hath a numerous issue.
Shall speak — They shall courageously plead their cause in courts of judicature, not fearing to be crushed by the might of their adversaries.