Unless He Builds It
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
Solomon's caution against exhausting yourself. The builder, the watchman and the anxious early riser all work for nothing without our Father, who gives sleep to those he loves. Children are named as a gift handed over, not an achievement earned.
127 1Unless our Father builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless our Father watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2It is in vain that you rise early and stay up late, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.
3Children are a heritage from our Father, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He will not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. a a v5 The city gate was the public forum where legal disputes and community matters were settled — having many sons meant having strong advocates in your corner there.
