Psalm 127:1 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 127:1-5

The builder's psalm. Our ignorance of the exact reference of this psalm enables us to apply it, as perhaps otherwise we might not be able, to all builders whatsoever. Four such seem to be pointed at here. I. THE TEMPLE - BUILDERS . 1. We know that this was one of the solicitudes of the returned exiles—to uprear again the temple of the Lord. And in the books written after the return from Babylon we read about this and the difficulties they had to encounter, and the success... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 127:1

Except the Lord build the house - Or rather, “a house.” The word “house” may refer either to an ordinary dwelling; to the temple, as a place of worship; or to a family, with reference to its success and prosperity, as the word house is often used now. The statement is universal, and is designed to indicate a universal dependence on God in human undertakings, though it is not improbable that there may have been an allusion, when the psalm was composed, to some building which was contemplated or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 127:1

Psalms 127:1. Except the Lord build the house That is, assist and bless those that build it, whether an artificial house, such as the temple, or the royal palace, or any of those numerous structures which Solomon raised; or rather, a natural or civil house, a family or kingdom; they labour in vain that build it They will never succeed well in their attempts, bring it to perfection, or have any comfort in it. The success of all our undertakings depends so entirely upon God’s blessing, that... 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 127:1

Title. A Song of degrees. Same as 120 ("the degrees"). App-67 . The Structure, and the references to Hezekiah being childless ( App-67 . xiv), show that this is not a Psalm "made up of two smaller Psalms, having no connection with each other". for Solomon = of or by Solomon. The central Psalm of the fifteen. Selected by Hezekiah to complete and perfect the arrangement. the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . the = a. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 127:1

PSALM 127WITHOUT GOD; MAN'S LABOR IS IN VAINThis is the central psalm in the Little Psalter and the only one ascribed to Solomon. As Rawlinson remarked, the arrangement of these psalms could hardly have come about accidentally. There appears to be an artificial arrangement separating the ascribed psalms by those considered anonymous.This is the amazing pattern that emerges: A ... A ... D ... A ... D ... A ... A ... S ... A ... A ... A ... D ... A ... D ... A. (A = Anonymous, D = David, and S =... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 127:1

Psalms 127:0. The virtue of God's blessing. Good children are his gift. A Song of Degrees for Solomon. Title. לשׁלמה המעלות שׁיר Shiir hammangaloth lishlomoh.] This is said to have been composed by Solomon, and is observed to be a commentary upon a pious maxim, which is several times repeated in the Proverbs, That no endeavours of man can be prosperous, without the blessing and assistance of God. Mr. Mudge, however, observes, that there seems to be no other reason for attributing the psalm to... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 127:1

1, 2. suggest the view of the theme given. 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