Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 127

Except the Lord. This verse shows the futility of attempting any enterprise unless the Lord’s blessing be upon our plans. Labour. Heb. ‘amal, emphasizing toil involving weariness and trouble.

Giveth his beloved sleep. Those addressed in this verse are the anxious toilers, those who do not get joy out of life because of their constant anxiety. Early and late they work and are so concerned about material things that they do not enjoy restful slumber. This is not so with those who rest in calm dependence upon God. This text, however, is no sanction for idleness, but is a rebuke to those who fret and worry instead of trusting in God.

As arrows. A figure denoting both protection and conquest. Children of the youth. That is, children of young parents.

In the gate. The open space at the gate of the city was the place where questions under dispute were settled (see Gen. 19:1; Isa. 29:21; Amos 5:12). These sons were not ashamed to plead their father’s cause. They stood ready to defend him against any false charges. A large family has its cares, but it has also its rewards.