Psa 128:2 | KingComments | STEP | There is progression of blessing in this psalm: first for the individual God-fearing, then for his family, and finally for the whole people. This wisdom psalm – which we can call such because it speaks of “everyone who fears the LORD” ( ), which is the principle of wisdom – describes an Israelite family during the realm of peace. The importance of the family according to the LORD’s mind is evident from the description of the realm of peace in Isaiah 65 ( ). The theme of this psalm is blessedness ( ) and blessing ( ). The ‘blessedness’ applies to everyone who fears the LORD. That is the message of this section, which begins and ends by stating “who fears the LORD” ( ). Fearing the LORD is at the same time the basis for blessing ( ), which is elaborated in . This ninth “Song of Ascents” sings of the blessedness of “everyone that fears the LORD, who walks in His ways” ( ). This is how the Israelites are described in the realm of peace. The fear of the LORD is evident by walking in His ways ( ). The “blessedness” associated with it is the highest happiness, the true and lasting happiness. It is the fulfillment of the priestly blessing ( ; cf. ). In Psalm 127, the Israelite is blessed because of the blessing of children. Here in Psalm 128 he is blessed because of the blessing in his work and in his family. Psalm 144 makes it clear that he is blessed because the LORD is his God ( ). Therefore, happiness does not consist of transient things like money and goods, prestige and power, but the receiving of the LORD’s lasting blessing in work and in the family, as it will be enjoyed in the realm of peace. This is the full Old Testament blessing of the righteous (cf. ; ). In the case of unfaithfulness, others eat the result of the work ( ; ). The word “when” ( ) indicates that what now follows is what the “blessedness” of fearing the LORD and walking in His ways consists of. The first thing promised to the God-fearing is that he will “eat of the fruit” of his hands (cf. ). The LORD will bless his work. This is a huge difference compared to the man who works hard but without regard to God ( ). The promise that it will be well with him does not imply prosperity in things that make life pleasant, but implies the joyful delight of the favor of God in life on earth.

‏ Psalms 128:2

Introduction

There is progression of blessing in this psalm: first for the individual God-fearing, then for his family, and finally for the whole people. This wisdom psalm – which we can call such because it speaks of “everyone who fears the LORD” (Psa 128:1), which is the principle of wisdom – describes an Israelite family during the realm of peace. The importance of the family according to the LORD’s mind is evident from the description of the realm of peace in Isaiah 65 (Isa 65:21-24).

The theme of this psalm is blessedness (Psa 128:1-4) and blessing (Psa 128:5-6). The ‘blessedness’ applies to everyone who fears the LORD. That is the message of this section, which begins and ends by stating “who fears the LORD” (Psa 128:1 ; 4). Fearing the LORD is at the same time the basis for blessing (Psa 128:4), which is elaborated in Psa 128:5-6.

Blessedness of the God-Fearing

This ninth “Song of Ascents” sings of the blessedness of “everyone that fears the LORD, who walks in His ways” (Psa 128:1). This is how the Israelites are described in the realm of peace. The fear of the LORD is evident by walking in His ways (Pro 14:2). The “blessedness” associated with it is the highest happiness, the true and lasting happiness. It is the fulfillment of the priestly blessing (Num 6:24; cf. Psa 128:5).

In Psalm 127, the Israelite is blessed because of the blessing of children. Here in Psalm 128 he is blessed because of the blessing in his work and in his family. Psalm 144 makes it clear that he is blessed because the LORD is his God (Psa 144:15b).

Therefore, happiness does not consist of transient things like money and goods, prestige and power, but the receiving of the LORD’s lasting blessing in work and in the family, as it will be enjoyed in the realm of peace. This is the full Old Testament blessing of the righteous (cf. Deu 28:1-5; Job 1:1 ; 8 ; Job 2:3). In the case of unfaithfulness, others eat the result of the work (Lev 26:16b; Deu 28:33a).

The word “when” (Psa 128:2) indicates that what now follows is what the “blessedness” of fearing the LORD and walking in His ways consists of. The first thing promised to the God-fearing is that he will “eat of the fruit” of his hands (cf. Isa 3:10). The LORD will bless his work. This is a huge difference compared to the man who works hard but without regard to God (Psa 127:2). The promise that it will be well with him does not imply prosperity in things that make life pleasant, but implies the joyful delight of the favor of God in life on earth.