Psalms 127:1

PSALM 127

WITHOUT GOD; MAN'S LABOR IS IN VAIN

This 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 = Solomon).

Solomon, according to the superscription, is the author of this psalm. As Leupold said, "There is a strong disinclination on the part of many interpreters to accept this; but there are good reasons for accepting it as reliable."[1] There is absolutely nothing in the psalm itself which casts any doubt on Solomon's authorship.

Besides this, very reliable scholars have pointed out a number of reasons why the Solomonic authorship should be accepted. Delitzsch listed three of these. (1) In the Hebrew text, there is found in Psalms 127:2 here an allusion to the name Jedidiah, which Solomon received from Nathan (2 Samuel 12:25).[2] That reference is in the English words "his beloved"; and Kidner referred to this as perhaps Solomon's "concealed signature."[3] (2) The second reason cited by Delitzsch is that the giving of his beloved "sleep" may be construed as a reference to the great wisdom which God gave to Solomon in that dream (while he slept) "At Gibeon (1 Kings 3:5ff)."[4] (3) The third reason is "The Proverbs-like form of the psalm."[5] (4) A fourth reason for accepting the ascription of the psalm to Solomon was cited by Rawlinson.

The words `[~'etseb],' `[~ne'urim],' and `[~yedidow]' are Solomonic words; also, this psalm agrees with the sentiment of Proverbs 10:22.[6]

Psalms 127:1

"Except Jehovah build the house,

They labor in vain that build it:

Except Jehovah keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain."

It was this writer's privilege to attend the inauguration of Dwight David Eisenhower as president of the United States of America. My wife and I had seats No. 113 and No. 114 for the swearing-in ceremonies in front of the capitol, and it was upon this verse that President Eisenhower laid his hand for his taking the oath of office.

Along with the first clause of the following verse, there is a triple affirmation of "vanity" in this psalms upon all the affairs of men unless they receive the blessing of God.

Three areas of human endeavour are reviewed here: (1) building one's house (family, estate, etc.); (2) keeping the security of a city (or nation); and (3) the begetting of children.[7]

"Labor" (Psalms 127:1) is a reference to the most diligent and persistent toil. The simple point is, that no matter how hard a man may work, if God's blessing is not upon him, it will all go for nothing.

"The watchman waketh but in vain" (Psalms 127:1). This does not mean that a city does not need watchmen, or that such a vital service should be discontinued. It simply means that no amount of diligent concern can save a city without the blessing of God. This is just as true now as it was when written. Unless God shall bless our great American cities, the last one of them shall be destroyed.

"Verse one here is universal in its meaning, indicating that dependence upon God is vital in all human undertakings."[8]