Psalms 128:1-6
1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
This song naturally follows the one in which Jehovah's relation to the home, as building and establishing it, is recognised. It is chiefly interesting as it reveals the singer's conception of the relation between the prosperity of the family and that of the city.
As to the home, the condition of its prosperity is declared to be fear of the Lord, walking in His ways. Then the resulting blessings are promised. This blessedness of home life issues in the good of Jerusalem. The line of development is most important; the God-fearing man, the God-fearing family, the God-fearing city.
This song of the worshippers ascending toward the city and temple is one the application of which is of perpetual importance. The strength of any city lies in its strong family life. The true strength of the family issues from its ordering in the fear of the Lord. It is of real significance that these songs of home and of true civic consciousness are found among those which are sung on the way that leads to worship. It is ever good to carry into the place of our communion with God the interests of home and city. It is only by doing so that we can influence these for their lasting good.