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Psalms 128
A short blessing-poem for the ordinary household: the one who fears the LORD eats the bread his own hands earned, with a wife like a fruitful vine and children like olive shoots around the table (vv. 1-3). Domestic peace, not battlefield victory, is the reward in view. Watch how the camera widens at verse 5: the personal blessing pours "out of Zion" and ends on the whole nation, "Peace be upon Israel." The pilgrim's own kitchen is tied to the good of Jerusalem.
- 1
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.
- 2
For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.
- 3
Your wife will be as a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house, your children like olive shoots around your table.
- 4
Behold, this is how the man who fears the LORD is blessed.
- 5
May the LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
- 6
Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel.
- 1
Cántico gradual. BIENAVENTURADO todo aquel que teme á Jehová, que anda en sus caminos.
- 2
Cuando comieres el trabajo de tus manos, bienaventurado tú, y tendrás bien.
- 3
Tu mujer será como parra que lleva fruto á los lados de tu casa; tus hijos como plantas de olivas alrededor de tu mesa.
- 4
He aquí que así será bendito el hombre que teme á Jehová.
- 5
Bendígate Jehová desde Sión, y veas el bien de Jerusalem todos los días de tu vida.
- 6
Y veas los hijos de tus hijos, y la paz sobre Israel.
Work that finally tastes sweet
Verse 2's promise — "you will eat the labor of your hands" — quietly reverses the curses of frustrated toil where others reap what you sow. Here the laborer keeps his own harvest, and that is named happiness.
The wish to "see your children's children" (v. 6) stretches the blessing across three generations, binding one settled home to the long survival of the people.
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