Psalms 127:1-5·~1 min
Children Are a Heritage from the LORD
The psalm first declares that building, guarding, and laboring anxiously are futile if the LORD is not the true giver behind them. From that warning it moves into the gift of children, portraying them as the LORD's heritage and as strength for the future, so that the chapter ends in the blessedness of a household strengthened by what God has given.
A1 song of ascents. Of Solomon. 2In vain you rise early 3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, 5Blessed is the man
Section summaryThe psalm begins by declaring that house-building, city-watching, and early-rising toil are vain if the LORD is not the one at work, because he gives to his beloved even in sleep. It then turns to family life and says that children are the LORD's heritage and reward, like arrows in a warrior's hand, so that the man with a full quiver is blessed and stands with confidence at the gate.
Role in the chapterThis section functions as a wisdom psalm about dependence. It teaches that both security and fruitfulness come from the LORD's giving, so striving must be relativized and children received as gift rather than treated as the mere result of human effort.