Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 128

Blessed. See on Ps. 1:1. That feareth. The fear of God is the foundation of all true happiness. This is not the shuddering fear that comes from conscious guilt, but the fear that arises from an ardent love and profound reverence for God.

Labour of thine hands. The industry of the good man is blessed and the diligent toiler enjoys a recompense for his labor. The Scriptures give no sanction to indolence but everywhere uphold the dignity of labor. Man’s life of toil and care was appointed in love (see PP 60), as a protection to him in his fallen state (see on Gen. 3:17–19).

Fruitful vine. The fruitfulness, gracefulness, and dependence for support of the vine is a fitting symbol of the loyal wife and mother in the home. Olive plants. The Hebrews considered the vine and the olive among earth’s choicest fruits. So a noble wife and dutiful children are the greatest gifts that a man can possess on this earth.

Blessed. Not only is the good man blessed himself; he is a blessing to all around him.

The good of Jerusalem. As the Hebrews kept continually before them the prosperity of Jerusalem, so the Christian will constantly work for the upbuilding of God’s church on earth.

Children’s children. The man who fears the Lord will live to a ripe old age and see his family perpetuated. Peace upon Israel. It is preferable to take these words as a parting benediction, “Peace be upon Israel.”