Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 127:1-5

We are here taught to have a continual regard to the divine Providence in all the concerns of this life. Solomon was cried up for a wise man, and would be apt to lean to his own understanding and forecast, and therefore his father teaches him to look higher, and to take God along with him in his undertakings. He was to be a man of business, and therefore David instructed him how to manage his business under the direction of his religion. Parents, in teaching their children, should suit their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 127:4

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man ,.... Are shot out with great strength; come with much force, and do execution, and do not return in vain; with which men defend themselves, and annoy their enemies; see Jeremiah 50:9 ; so are children of the youth : not young children, or children in their youth; but such who are born to their parents when they are in their youth; and which are generally healthful and strong, and their parents live to see them grown up; and who are useful... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 127:4

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man - Each child will, in the process of time, be a defense and support to the family, as arrows in the quiver of a skillful and strong archer; the more he has, the more enemies he may slay, and consequently the more redoubted shall he be. Children of the youth - The children of young people are always more strong and vigorous, more healthy, and generally longer lived than those of elderly, or comparatively elderly persons. Youth is the time for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 127:1-5

The blessing of God. The psalm is in keeping with that prevalent piety which led the devout Israelite to trace God's hand in everything, and ascribe both good and evil, both joy and sorrow, to his directing power. I. UNBLESSED LABOR . 1. We can do nothing at all without the Divine co-operation. We constantly depend on the presence of his material, on the action of his laws, on the activity of the forces he keeps in play. We all recognize this in agriculture; that it is vain for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 127:4

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth ; rather, the children of youth ; i . e . children born to a man in his youth. Such children protect their aged parents as effectually as arrows in the hand of a warrior. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 127:4

Children as arrows. The psalmist takes far other than that pessimistic view, so common in our day, as to God's gift of children. Men now too often look upon them as so many misfortunes and encumbrances, and as compelling poverty and privation where else these evils had not been, and as so many channels through which trouble may come to the home in which they have been born. How beautifully and blessedly different is the teaching of this and the following psalm on this matter! Of course,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 127:4

Children a man's power. "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." They are his effective agents in the battle of life. This is illustrated in many a business. The man is greatly helped as difficulties develop, and responsibilities increase, who has his own sons to share his burdens. The service of hirelings, however devoted and faithful, can never equal that of sons. A man gradually outgrows the toiling part of life. He may think and plan better than ever;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 127:4

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man - They are what a parent may rely on for defense in danger, or for help in securing provision for himself and family - as the warrior or the hunter relies on his arrows.So are children of the youth - Sons in their youth; in their prime and vigor. The comparison of sons with arrows or spears is common in Arabic poetry. See Rosenmuller, Com. in loc. Also Morgenland, in loc. read more

Group of Brands