Chapter 6

Psalm 128

 

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Last Updated on : Saturday, October 11, 2014

 

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selah

 

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  1. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
  2. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
  3. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
  4. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
  5. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
  6. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

A delightful picture of domestic unity and happiness is present in Psalm 128. Herein is pictured a contented and devoted mother, the children clinging to her as clusters of fruit to a vine. The worth of a "virtuous woman," says the wise man, is "far above rubies" (Prov. 31:10). The symbology of the vine is interesting from a further viewpoint: the vine requires support. It is not strong enough to stand alone, but requires solid and sturdy framework to grow upon. How apt in relation to Israel. The nation needed to lean upon Yahweh for support, but often failed to do so (ep. Isa. 5; Matt 21, etc.). The wife of the Psalm must be ably and strongly supported by her husband in the everyday affairs of the household, and in the spiritual education and strengthening of the family. Such a wife does not seek her interests outside the home environment. but is found in "the innermost parts" of the home. The welfare of husband and family is her great concern. Her interests and enjoyments in life centre around her family, in association with her devotion to the things of Yahweh. In such atmosphere, children will grow up "Like olive plants," which cluster around the parent tree, to reproduce the qualities of the tree from which they have sprung. The verse emphasises the tremendous influence of the home upon the lives of the children. Therefore this influence should be of a spiritually unifying kind, as beautifully set forth in this Psalm. Repeatedly, the scriptures teach the need for families in the Truth to separate themselves from the evil influences of the world, and unitedly and dedicatedly set their feet and faces towards Zion: "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood; that our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace; that our garners may be full, affording all manner of store; that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets; that our oxen may be strong in labour; that there be no breaking in nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people, that is in such a ease: yea, happy is that people, whose Gad is Yahweh" (Psa. 144:11-15). The green olive tree is a delightful symbol of light, peace and wellbeing. Thus the Psalmist speaks of himself: "I am like a green olive tree in the house of Gad: i trust in the mercy of Gad for ever and ever" (Psa. 52:8). But Scripture also warns of disasters which follow a disregard of God: "Yahweh called thy name, a green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult He hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken. For Yahweh of Armies, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee" (Jer. 11:16-17). The national olive tree did not produce the fruit required, and it failed to respond to the loving care of the divine Husbandman. It was therefore uprooted. The children of Psalm 128, however, are represented as heeding wise parental example, teaching and control. They grow up like olives plants "round about thy table." A warm scene of domestic contentment and cheerful happiness is presented. It suggests mutual love, unity and contentment among the members of the family, such as only can be experienced by "fearing Yahweh" and "walking in His ways." The faithful, throughout the ages, have valued their children as blessings from Yahweh, to complement their own lives, and provide a continuing testimony to Yahweh's truth from one generation to another. Jacob touchingly referred to his offspring as "the children which God hath graciously given thy servant" (Gen. 33:5). Let us emulate his example. Our children need our warm love, as well as the disciplinary education of the truth. By this means, the happy state portrayed in the Psalm will be manifested within our homes. Let us think upon these things, so that we are moved by them. They are sufficient to sustain entire families in the truth in their daily living, until the Lord comes to make all our hopes a reality. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! J. Ullman ISA 35:22

 


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