Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary PSALM 128
Ps 128:1-6. The temporal blessings of true piety. The eighth chapter of Zecariah is a virtual commentary on this Psalm. Compare Ps 128:3 with Zec 8:5; and Ps 128:2 with Le 26:16; De 28:33; Zec 8:10; and Ps 128:6 with Zec 8:4. 1. (Compare Ps 1:1). For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 2. For thou shalt eat—that is, It is a blessing to live on the fruits of one's own industry.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 3. by the sides—or, "within" (Ps 48:2).
olive plants—are peculiarly luxuriant (Ps 52:8). Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 5. In temporal blessings the pious do not forget the richer blessings of God's grace, which they shall ever enjoy.
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. 6. Long life crowns all other temporal favors. As Ps 125:5, this Psalm closes with a prayer for peace, with prosperity for God's people. |
