Psalms 127

A Song of degrees for Solomon.

Men are prone to stop short in second causes, and trust in the power and ingenuity of the human instrument more than in God, the real author of all prosperity. Against this error this psalm is directed. The doctrine is that of James 4:13-16. Not only the title, which there is no reason to call in question, assigns it to Solomon, but the contents and spirit are in perfect coincidence with his circumstances and character. The psalm properly dates at the erection of the first temple, while it equally suits the times of rebuilding the second, and may be fitly classed among the pilgrim-songs of the nation. While it does not rise to the dignity of evangelical odes, the author, with a profound belief in the providence of God and in the obligation of subjecting ourselves and all our pursuits to him, treats directly of the religious spirit which should govern our domestic life and pursuits, and of the building up of habitations as homes. in this spirit, as fundamental to social and state life. Keeping, therefore, within the domestic-civic sphere, the psalm divides itself into two strophes home, with its labour and thrift, (Psalms 127:1-2,) and children, with their blessings on the home, (Psalms 127:3-5,) with the pervading thought that the proper acknowledgment of God, in the undertakings of life and in the rearing of the family, is the surest way of securing success.