Psalm 127:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early - The psalmist does not here say that it is improper to rise early; or that there could be no advantage in it; or that people would be more likely to be successful in their undertakings if they did not rise early; but that, although this was done, they would be still altogether dependent on God. Mere early rising, without his blessing, would not secure what they hoped to accomplish, for everything is still in the hand of God. Health, strength, clearness of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 127:2

Psalms 127:2 . It is vain for you Builders or watch-men, or other persons engaged in any design, which to you seems important; to rise up early, to sit up late To use constant and unwearied diligence; to eat the bread of sorrows Or, the bread of fatigue, as some render it; to labour hard, and fare poorly. For so By his blessing, and not singly by industry without it; or, as the word כן is rendered in the margin, certainly, or since, as Dr. Hammond translates it; he giveth his... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 127:1-5

Psalms 125-128 Lessons from JerusalemAs the worshippers journey towards Jerusalem, they recall some of the varied experiences that the city has passed through. They see these as typical of the experiences of God’s people as a whole. Believers are like Jerusalem in that they are completely secure and fully protected (125:1-2). Although Jerusalem sometimes came under the rule of its enemies, God never allowed these enemies to control it for long, in case God’s people lost their devotion to him... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 127:2

For so = Thus. beloved = beloved one (singular) Hebrew. yedid. This was Solomon's name (Jedidiah) given by Jehovah (2 Samuel 12:25 ). Solomon was given because David was beloved of Jehovah. Somecodices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read plural sleep = in sleep: i.e. while they sleep: i.e. without their labour. So He gave to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-15 ); to Adam (Genesis 2:21 , Genesis 2:22 ); Abraham (Genesis 15:12 , Genesis 15:13 ); Jacob (Genesis 28:10-15 ); Samuel (1 Samuel 3:3 , 1... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 127:2

"It is vain for you to rise up early,To take rest late,To eat the bread of toil;For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep."Of course, there is no prohibition here against getting up early, or working late, the point being simply that without the blessing of God, it will do no good at all.This writer was in Japan as a guest chaplain of the USAF shortly after World War II, and he visited sister Nettie Andrews, who had lived in Shizuoka for thirty years, serving the Lord as a missionary. She... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 127:2

Psalms 127:2. It is vain, &c.— It is vain for you, ye that rise early, and late take rest: that eat the bread of fatigue: it is thus he giveth sleep to his beloved. Mudge: who observes, that the words, it is thus he giveth, and behold, in the next verse, evidently point, as he suggests in the note on the title, to a particular person whom God had blessed, without which all endeavours are vain. Some render the last clause, Since he giveth to his beloved sleep: but Green translates the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 127:2

2. so he giveth his beloved sleep—that is, His providential care gives sleep which no efforts of ours can otherwise procure, and this is a reason for trust as to other things (compare :-). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 127:1-2

1. The futility of labor without faith 127:1-2These verses recall the spirit of Ecclesiastes with its emphasis on futility. It is foolish, frustrating, and futile to attempt projects without seeking God’s blessing. This applies to building a house and building a household. It also applies to the much larger task of defending a city. Putting in long hours of hard work will only lead to weariness. Conversely, those who trust in the Lord-His beloved-experience rest. Solomon was not denigrating... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 127:1-5

Psalms 127Solomon spoke of God’s blessing in family life in this ascent psalm that is also a wisdom psalm. Trust in God yields domestic benefits that hard work alone cannot provide. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 127:1-5

A warning against over-anxiety in any work. Let it be left in the wise hands of Jehovah, who gives the best blessings without human aid. Perhaps the Ps. was addressed to some too-zealous workers in the restoration of Jerusalem. The title assigns it to Solomon, but probably it was written long after his day. Its proverbial philosophy may have led to its association with his name: cp. Proverbs 1:1.2. Bread of sorrows] RV ’bread of toil’: cp. Proverbs 10:22. For so he giveth his beloved sleep] a... read more

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