Psalm 127
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labour;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Yes, children are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons and daughters of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of those
who have filled his quiver with these arrows!
They will have no cause for shame
when they dispute with their foes in the gateways.
Reflection
Challenged by the fact that I’m not really a fan of the Psalms (except the 23rd), yet attracted by the ‘quiverful of arrows’, I chose to write about Psalm 127. I drafted, edited, and laid awake at night wondering why I couldn’t finish the work. After looking at other translations, Hebrew, and commentaries (some Jewish), the mist cleared.
Apparently it’s notoriously difficult to translate Hebrew, not least because so many words have a number of different meanings. So I decided to pick two themes that many writers accept are present in the Psalm. These are:
a) going your own way is not a good thing;
b) having a big family (especially boys) while you’re young is a good thing.
Being with the Lord is a good thing. Recognising that the Lord is with you is, perhaps, a better way to put it. Wherever you are; whatever you’re doing. Remember the manna in the wilderness – alluded to in verse 2. Daily bread for one day – see also the Lord’s Prayer. After a long time in the Christian life I’ve realised that consciously accepting (or not) this offered daily bread inevitably shows in how I live that day. So, once you’re really awake each day, say, “Good morning, God. Here we go again!”
Having a quiverful probably made sense 3,500 years ago. The growing lads could help you build, and protect and support you. The Revd Mr. Quiverful in Anthony Trollope’s Barchester Towers is a poor clergyman with fourteen children. But the alleged advantages of a large family are not for him (at least, not at the beginning of the story). Life’s a long struggle. So it has been for many since time began. Struggle is also well-known to those who experience miscarriage, abortion, adoption, or childlessness (voluntary or not).
Each of us needs that daily bread in order to cope with life, and to help others do likewise.
Prayer
O Lord.
thank you for being there for us every day.
Bless me,
and the individuals I know
who strive to fight the good fight –
or have given up –
and give me wisdom to build, protect, and provide
whenever and wherever you can.
Amen