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Psalms / Chapter 127
Psalm 127 frames human projects as dependent: construction, security, labor, and family flourishing do not endure by effort alone. The poem contrasts frantic striving with rest that comes when Yahweh is the source and support.
Unless Yahweh builds the house, They labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, The watchman guards it in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, To stay up late, Eating the bread of toil; For he gives sleep to his loved ones.
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won`t be put to shame when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 128 A Song of Ascents.
Psalms journey · Psalms 127
Full passage context
Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.
Prayer, lament, praise, kingship, and hope teach God's people to sing truthfully.
Movement
Worship across the whole story
Artifact
Prayer book of the covenant people
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
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Context snapshot
Date
Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC
Genre
Poetry, prayer, and praise
Setting
Israel/Judah worship tradition
Audience
Israel
World Stage
Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries
Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.
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