Psalms 128 - Introduction

Prosperity and domestic happiness will be the lot of him who fears Jehovah and obeys His laws (Psalms 128:1-3). Such a man may hope to see Jerusalem prospering, and to leave a numerous posterity to succeed him (Psalms 128:4-6).

This Psalm is a companion-piece to Psalms 127, and like it, was probably intended to encourage the members of the community of the Restoration at a time when there was much to dishearten. The scanty population of Jerusalem, and the constant alarms of attack, presented a perplexing contrast to the prophetic promises of peace and plenty and a numerous population (Jeremiah 30:18 ff; Jeremiah 31; Zechariah 8:1-17); but the Psalm teaches that the welfare of the state depends upon virtuous family life, and virtuous family life must be founded upon active religious principle. If Israel, family by family, will fear Jehovah, it shall realise the promises of the law and the prophets. Cp. Psalms 144:12-15; and for glimpses of the enjoyment of such idyllic happiness from time to time in the troubled life of Israel after the Restoration see Sir 50:22-24; 1Ma 14:4-15.

Luther calls this Psalm an Epithalamium or Marriage Song, and its appropriateness for use in the Marriage Service is obvious.