127 1 He showeth that the whole estate of the world, both domestical and political, standeth by God’s mere providence and blessing, 3 And that to have children well nurtured, is an especial grace and gift of God.

A song of degrees, or Psalm of Solomon.

Except the Lord [a]build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the [b]city, the keeper watcheth in vain.

It is in vain for [c]you to rise early, and to lie down late, and eat the bread [d]of sorrow: but he will surely give [e]rest to his beloved.

Behold, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb his reward.

As are the arrows in the hand of the strong man; so are the [f]children of youth.

Blessed is the man that hath his quiver full of them: for they [g]shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 127:1 That is, govern and dispose all things pertaining to the family.
  2. Psalm 127:1 The public estate of the commonwealth.
  3. Psalm 127:2 Which watch and ward, and are also magistrates, and rulers of the city.
  4. Psalm 127:2 Either that which is gotten by hard labor, or eaten with grief of mind.
  5. Psalm 127:2 Not exempting them from labor, but making their labors comfortable, and as it were a rest.
  6. Psalm 127:4 That is, endued with strength and virtues from God: for these are signs of God’s blessings, and not the number.
  7. Psalm 127:5 Such children shall be able to stop their adversaries’ mouths, when their godly life is maliciously accused before Judges.

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