Psalms 127 - Introduction

This psalm is entitled “A Song of Degrees for Solomon;” in the margin, “Of Solomon.” In the Syriac Version the title is, “From the Psalms of the Ascent; spoken by David concerning Solomon; it was spoken also of Haggai and Zechariah, who urged the rebuilding of the Temple.” The meaning of the title may be either “for Solomon,” or of Solomon; that is, it may have been either composed by him, or with reference to him. Many have supposed that it was written by David near the close of his life, and was designed to be a guide to Solomon, his successor, in regard to the principles which should govern him in his reign. There is nothing, however, in the title in the Hebrew which would indicate that it was composed by David; and there is nothing in the psalm which would seem to be especially appropriate to address to a young monarch just entering on his reign, unless it was the mere filet of dependence on God. The allusion to children Psalms 127:3, beautiful and proper as it is, would seem to have no particular pertinency to an entrance on the administration of a government, and would not be the topic which Would most naturally be suggested in such circumstances. The probability, therefore, is, that the psalm was composed by Solomon. On what occasion, however, it was written, it is now impossible to determine. The sentiments and style are such as agree well with the idea that Solomon was the author, and the whole psalm might have been introduced into the Book of Proverbs without any manifest discrepancy with the general character and style of that book. From the psalm itself it would seem that it was composed mainly with reference to one who was entering on domestic life, and that it was intended to set before such a one the views which ought to guide him, or the thoughts which ought to occur to him. Nothing could be more appropriate in such circumstances than the sentiments of the psalm:

I. The entire dependence on God for success, Psalms 127:1.

II. The vanity of all efforts - rising early, and sitting up late - without the divine blessing, Psalms 127:2.

III. The fact that children belong to God, and are to be regarded as his, Psalms 127:3.

IV. The aid which children might be expected to render to a father in supporting or defending him, Psalms 127:4.

V. The comfort which he might expect to derive from them, and the honor which, being properly trained, they would reflect on him and on the family, Psalms 127:5.