Psalms 128

Psalms 128:4

4.—children of the youth.] Rather, as in the old translation, “the young children.” Rosenmuller, Street.

Psalms 128:5

5.—but they shall speak &c.] The “gate” was the place of resort for publick business and justice under the porch that belonged to it. Children would support a man there in his contest and pretensions. Mudge. See the notes on Gen. xxii. 10, and on Deut. xvi. 18. There is said to be a Chinese proverb to this effect, “When a son is born into a family, a bow and arrow are hung up before the gate:” this should seem to be a figurative expression, signifying that a new protector is added to the family. Merrick. The Psalmist does not certainly intend to say at ver. 2, that labour and diligence are vain, but that they are so, except the Lord be with the labourer: the business is not to be done by all the industry and pains in the world without Him: whereas, if his aid be called in, if part of our time be spent in prayer, not the whole of it in toiling without prayer, our work will become easier, and go on better; a solicitude and anxiety for its success and completion will no longer prey upon our minds by day, and break our rest at night; we shall cheerfully fulfil our daily tasks, and then with confidence and resignation lay our heads upon our pillows, and God will “give to his beloved” a sweet and undisturbed “sleep,” which shall fit them to return every morning, with renewed vigour and alacrity, to their stated employments. Bp. Horne. Psalm CXXVIII. This is generally considered as a marriage-song, sung at the marriages of the Israelites; strongly pointing out the happiness of such as are truly religious, and the claim they thereby obtain to be blessed in their person, in their family, and in the prosperity of their country. Travell. It is introduced into our marriage service. Marriage was ordained by God to complete the felicity