Psalms 128

This psalm declares the blessedness of those who fear the LORD and walk in His ways. Such individuals are promised prosperity from their labor, a fruitful family with many children, and a long life. Furthermore, they will receive blessings from Zion, witness the good of Jerusalem, and see peace upon Israel.

Psalm 128, a Song of Degrees, begins by proclaiming a special blessing upon all who fear the LORD and diligently follow His commandments. These righteous individuals are assured of enjoying the fruits of their own labor, leading to personal happiness and well-being. The psalm details domestic blessings, portraying the wife as a fruitful vine within the home and children as thriving olive plants encircling the family table. This familial prosperity is explicitly stated as a direct consequence of fearing the LORD. Beyond personal and domestic spheres, the blessings extend from Zion, promising the individual a lifetime of witnessing Jerusalem's prosperity. Finally, the psalm assures a long life, allowing them to see their grandchildren, and concludes with the promise of peace upon Israel.

Psalm 128, designated as a Song of Degrees, opens with a profound declaration of blessedness bestowed upon every individual who reverently fears the LORD and faithfully walks in His prescribed paths. The initial promise centers on material and personal well-being, assuring that such a person "shalt eat the labour of thine hands," implying self-sufficiency and contentment, and that "happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." The psalm then vividly portrays the domestic blessings awaiting the God-fearing man. His wife is likened to a "fruitful vine by the sides of thine house," symbolizing fertility and abundance within the home, while his children are compared to "olive plants round about thy table," signifying numerous, thriving offspring gathered around him. Verse four reiterates and emphasizes that this comprehensive array of blessings is indeed the divine reward for the man who fears the LORD. The scope of blessing then expands beyond the immediate household to the communal and national level. The LORD Himself is promised to "bless thee out of Zion," indicating a spiritual and governmental source of divine favor. This blessing includes the privilege of witnessing "the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life," suggesting participation in or observation of the city's prosperity and spiritual welfare. The psalm concludes with a promise of longevity, stating that the blessed individual "shalt see thy children's children," signifying a full and extended life. This personal blessing is then linked to a broader national hope: "and peace upon Israel," underscoring the interconnectedness of individual righteousness and national well-being.