Today's Featured Psalm
Psalm 127

Read this Psalm

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 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.
2 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.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
   the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
   are the children of one’s youth.
5 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.

Scripture taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Psalm Devotional
Everything Depends on God

Psalm 127 is the eighth in the 15 Songs of Ascents (120-134). The overall theme of the series is ascending into the temple in Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Exod. 23:14-17). Therefore, the Songs of Ascents are well suited for use as a call to worship as we enter, by the Spirit, into the very presence of God in heaven (Heb. 12:22-24).

The title of Psalm 127 includes a reference to Solomon. This may imply that he is the author of the Psalm or that it is about him in some way. The theme of vanity calls to mind the book of Ecclesiastes, the building of the house suggests the building of the temple, the guarding of the city implies Jerusalem, and “His beloved” hints at Solomon’s special name (Jedidiah, 2 Sam. 12:25). All of this then leads us to Jesus as the Son of David who builds His Church, guards our cities from His throne at the right hand of God, and is, above all, beloved by the Father (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). Every good thing depends on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Listen to this Psalm

Ascent album art Unless the Lord Build up the House (Psalm 127A)
The Book of Psalms for Worship | Ascent
Ascent album art Unless the Lord Is He Who Builds the House (Psalm 127B)
The Book of Psalms for Worship | Ascent
Power of Praise album art Except the LORD Build the House (Psalm 127B)
The Book of Psalms for Singing | Power of Praise