Psalms 127

dreamed, as the Psalmist here speaks. For awaking in the morning, and seeing his vast army to be dead corpses, (2 Kings xix. 35.) they could scarce believe what they beheld with their eyes, it was so wonderful. And, perhaps, it was first made then, and afterward applied, with some alteration, to their return from Babylon. (See Psal. exxxiii.) Vcr.l. r’riIEN the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.’] To the Lord alone must w f c ascrifoe this wonderful change (which is like the sudden recovery of health, ont of a tedious and desperate sickness); for when the proclamation unexpectedly came forth, to give us liberty to return to our own country, out of a long captivity, (Ezra i. 2, 3.) we could scarce believe it; but were apt to look upon ourselves, as only in a dream of so great a happiness. The Hebrew particle which here we translate for, is thought by our interpreters, in most other places, to signify of: and so they translate it a littlo before, in the title of Psal. exxiv. and a littlo after, in that of the hundred and thirty-first. Therefore I shall look upon this vol, in. Psalm as composed by Solomon; who, you read, 1 Kings iv. 32. made above three thousand songs; though none of them (except that large poem called the Song of Songs, and, as some think, Psal. exxxii. and, as I suppose, the next to this) have been transmitted to posterity,, but only this: which is a commentary upon a pious maxim of his, often repeated in.the book of his Proverbs, that it is in vain to attempt any thing, if the Lord do not prosper it. Teaching us, therefore, in all our ways to acknowledge him, (Prov. iii. 6. xvi. 3.) and not to presume, that it is in our power to direct our own way (that is, our designs, enterprises, and actions) to what issue we please. For, though a man’s heart de» viseth his way, yet it is the Lord that directeth his steps, (Prov. xvi. 9. xx. 24. xxi. 30, 31.) A truth to be deeplypondered by all, especially by princes; in whose affairs, this overruling providence is most visible. Of a Song of Degrees, see Psal. cxx.

Psalms 127:1

JUjXCEPT the Lord build the house, they labour, in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. The success of all our undertakings depends so entirely upon the Lord’s blessing, that it. is in vain, by building houses and cities, to enter into societies, unless he prosper the design: and when they are framed, all the care of the soldier and the magistrate is to no purpose, unless his good providence be their guard.;; l

Psalms 127:2

Then was our month filled with laughter, and our tongue with Singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. Which presently turned our heaviness into such a height of joy, that it filled all places with our mirth, especially with cheerful hymns; in which the heathen themselves accompanied us, saying, This truly is the Lord’s work, who hath magnified his power in the strange deliverance of this nation.. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bredd’of sorroivs: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.] And as fruitless, unless he favour it, is the toil and solicitude of you the artificers and tradesmen in the city; who rise betime, and go to bed late, and fare hardly: when they whom he loves (because they own his providence, and depend upon his blessing, more than their own diligence) live securely, and want nothing that is fit for them; though they have no such strong guard of soldiers to defend them;’ nor break their sleep with labour and. care, to supply their necessities.

Psalms 127:3

The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. And truly so he hath (we should be very ungrateful, if we should not thankfully acknowledge the singular benefits which strangers admire); the Lord hath not only restored our liberty, but declared the greatness of his power in this deliverance; which justly fills us with joy and triumph. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.] Observe it also; it is not in the power of the strongest and most healthful persons (though nature designs, above all things, the propagation of mankind) to have children when they please, to inherit the riches they have got: but the Lord bestows them as freely as parents do their estates; and makes thoso women fruitful, whose pious reliance upon him he thinks good to reward.

Psalms 127:4

Turn again our captivity, OLord, as the streams in the south. O that the Lord would be pleased to perfect what he hath begun! and bring back, in greater numbers, the rest of our brethren that still remain in Babylon: which would be as welcome to this desolate country, as streams of water to the dry and thirsty grounds. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.] And yet there is nothing of which we are more desirous than a numerous issue; especially in the flower and vigour of our youth: for they will be no less defence to us in our age, than arrows or darts are in the hand of a valiant champion, to beat off his assailants.

Psalms 127:5

Tliey that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Then this small handful of people, who are come to plant themselves here again, and have laid the foundation of the temple, with a great mixture of sadness and tears, (Ezraiii. 12.) shall shout for joy, to sec so great an increase, and this pious work, by their help, brought unto perfection. Ver.G. He that goeth forth andweepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his slieaveswithhim.] Just as we behold the poor husbandman, going to and fro with a little seed, which in a scarce year ho throws with a heavy heart into the ground, returning again and again from the field, with songs of joy in his mouth, when the harvest comes to reward his past labours with a plentiful crop of corn. PSALM CXXVII.. A Song of Degrees for Solomon. (See cxx.) 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.] Happy is that man who hath obtained so much favour of the Lord, as to have his house as full of thorn as the champion’s quiver is of arrows; they will undauntedly appear for him, to answer any challengo sent him by his enemies (see Theodoret); or any accusation put in against him before the judges. 2G