Psalm 128

In this psalm the writer rejoiced in the Lord's blessings. He reviewed previously received blessings and then prayed for greater blessings.

 1. Summary statement of blessing 128:1

Everyone who fears Yahweh and obeys His precepts enjoys blessing.

 2. Some specific blessings 128:2-4

The work of the person who fears and obeys God will be productive. It will yield joy and well being to him (v. 2; cf. 127:1-2). Such a man's wife will also be fruitful. Vines were everywhere in Israel, and grape production was one of its chief industries. The implication of this statement is that the wife would bear children. Likewise his children would make beneficial contributions symbolized by olives, another one of the most important crops in Israel. The psalmist pictured the family gathered around the dinner table (v. 3). Verse 4 with verse 1 frame the thought of verses 2 and 3.

 3. Specific supplications for blessing 128:5-6

The psalmist offered a general prayer for his readers' future and then specified particular blessings following the form he used in verses 1-4. The petition concerning seeing Jerusalem prosper all of one's days is appropriate in a psalm of ascent. The prosperity of the city would extend to every family in the nation ultimately. Seeing one's grandchildren also expresses God's continued blessing for many years to come.

This psalm beautifully tied family and nation together in the thinking of the pilgrim Israelite who travelled with his family to Jerusalem for a national feast. It is a reminder of the importance of God's blessing on both home and nation that are mutually dependent. Families and nations can only succeed with God's blessing.