rd

Psalms 127

1 He sheweth that the whole estate of the world, both domestical and political standeth by God’s mere providence and blessing, 3 And that to have children wel nurtured is an especial grace and gift of God.
¶ A song of degrees or Psalme of Solomón.
1.aExcept the Lord buylde the house, thei labour in vain that buylde it: except the Lord keep the bcitie, the keeper watcheth in vain.
2.It is in vain for cyou to rise early, and to lye down late, and eat the bread dof sorrow: but he wil surely give erest to his beloved.
3.Behold, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb his reward.
4.As are the arrows in the hand of the strong man: so are the fchildren of youth.
5.Blessed is the man, that hathe his quiver ful of them: for they gshal not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Notes

1-a.
That is, govern and dispose all things pertaining to the family.
1-b.
The public estate of the commonwealth.
2-c.
Which watch, and ward, and are also magistrates, and rules of the city.
2-d.
Either that, which is gotten by hard labour, or eaten with grief of mind.
2-e.
Not exempting them from labour, but making their labours comfortable, and as it were a rest.
4-f.
That is, endued with strength and virtues from God: for these are signs of God’s blessings, and not the number.
5-g.
Such children shall be able to stop their adversary’s mouths, when their godly life is maliciously accused before judges.