Salmi 128:6 Commento

This, as the former, is a psalm for families. In that we were taught that the prosperity of our families depends upon the blessing of God; in this we are taught that the only way to obtain that blessing which will make our families comfortable is to live in the fear of God and in obedience to him. Those that do so, in general, shall be blessed (Psa 128:1, Psa 128:2, Psa 128:4), In particular, I. They shall be prosperous and successful in their employments (Psa 128:2). II. Their relations shall be agreeable (Psa 128:3). III. They shall live to see their families brought up (Psa 128:6). IV. They shall have the satisfaction of seeing the church of God in a flourishing condition (Psa 128:5, Psa 128:6). We must sing this psalm in the firm belief of this truth, That religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity, giving God the praise that it is so and that we have found it so, and encouraging ourselves and others with it. A song of degrees.

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 128 A Song of degrees. This psalm very probably was written by the same hand as the former, and seems to have some connection with it; as that shows that all things depend on the providence and goodness of God; and that all blessings, particularly children, are the gift of God; this points out the blessings, civil and religious, that belong to good men; and, among the rest, a numerous offspring. According to the Syriac version, "it is said concerning Zerubbabel, prince of Judah; and the care of the building: and it intimates in it the calling of Gentiles.'' Manythings in it may be applied Christ and his church.

For, "if in this life only," says the Apostle, "we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." [1 Corinthians 15:19] For what reason were the Martyrs condemned to beasts? What is that good? Can it be declared? By what means, or what tongue can tell it? Or what ears can hear it? That indeed, "Neither ear has heard, nor has it entered into man's heart:" [1 Corinthians 2:9] only let us love, only let us grow in grace: ye see, then, that battles are not wanting, and that we fight with our lusts. We fight outwardly with unbelieving and disobedient men; we fight inwardly with carnal suggestions and perturbations: we everywhere as yet fight....What sort of peace then is this? One from Jerusalem, for Jerusalem is interpreted, A vision of Peace. Thus then "may thou see the good things that are of Jerusalem," and that, "all your life long— and may thou see," not only your children, but, "your children's children." What means, Your children? Your works which thou here dost. Who are your children's children? The fruits of your works. You give alms: these are your children: for the sake of your alms you receive everlasting life, these are your children's children. "May you see your children's children;" and there shall be "peace upon Israel" [Psalm 128:6], the last words of the Psalm....

The penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only. (Psa 130:1-8) depths--for great distress (Psa 40:2; Psa 69:3).

Long life crowns all other temporal favors. As Psa 125:5, this Psalm closes with a prayer for peace, with prosperity for God's people. Next: Psalms Chapter 129