Psalms 127
AOSNPsalms 127:1-5
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).
Psalms 127:1-2
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).
Psalms 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.
Psalms 127:4-5
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).
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