Psalm 127
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (ESV)
Theme:
All human labour is vain apart from the sovereign blessing of the LORD, who alone establishes His work and gives rest to His beloved.
Introduction:
Busy Lives, Empty Hands
The Psalm divides naturally into two sections:
1. Verses 1–2: The futility of labor apart from the LORD
2. Verses 3–5: The LORD’s gracious provision and blessing
1. The Futility of Godless Labor (vv. 1–2)
1.1 God Alone is the True Builder (v. 1)
The house here may refer to:
• A literal home
• The temple
• A city
• Or by extension, any human endeavor.
1.2 Security Without God is an Illusion
1.3 Anxious Toil is not Faithful Obedience
This was the condition of Haggai’s generation:
• Much activity
• Little rest
• No satisfaction
And it is a danger for the church today.
1.4 God Gives Rest to His Beloved
2. The Gracious Blessing of the LORD (vv. 3–5)
2.1 Blessing is a Gift, not an Achievement
2.2 God Establishes What He Gives
2.3 Covenant Confidence, Not Shame
This anticipates Haggai 2:
• Shaking of nations
• God preserving His people
• God establishing His promised work
2.4 From Temporal Blessing to Redemptive Fulfilment
Solomon built a temple.
But Christ builds the Church.
“I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18)
Here the logic of Psalm 127 reaches its fulfilment:
• Christ is the Builder
• Christ is the Watchman
• Christ is the Giver of Rest
The Rest Given to the Beloved
Hebrews 4:9 (ESV) “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”
Conclusion:
Unless the LORD Builds…
Psalm 127 confronts every generation of God’s people with a searching truth:
• Religious activity without dependence is vain.
• Productivity without God is empty.
• Labour without blessing is exhausting.
But the Psalm also comforts us:
• God delights to bless His beloved
• God establishes what He ordains
• God gives rest to those who trust Him
As we consider the message of Haggai alongside this Psalm, the call is not to work harder, but to reorder our lives around God’s priorities.
• Seek first His kingdom.
• Trust His sovereign hand.
• Rest in His covenant grace.
When the LORD builds, His work stands forever.