Psalms 127:1

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it, etc.] Whether it be understood literally of an artificial house, as Solomon’s own house; or the house of the Lord, or any other: let a man be ever so bent upon building one, or have ever so much skill in drawing the plan of it, or be ever so well provided to go through the expense of it, or have ever so many hands employed in it, yet, if the Lord does not give success, it will all be in vain; the building will fall down, or be consumed by fire before it is finished; or by one providence or another he will be obliged to desist from it, as in the case of the builders of the tower and city of Babel. Or whether it be understood…”

“The people of God, often delivered from enemies, are confident of His favor, by their overthrow in the future. (Psa 129:1-8) may Israel now say--or, "oh! let Israel say" (Psa 124:1). Israel's youth was the sojourn in Egypt (Jer 2:2; Hos 2:15).”

“Except the Lord build the house - Or rather, “a house.” The word “house” may refer either to an ordinary dwelling; to the temple, as a place of worship; or to a family, with reference to its success and prosperity, as the word house is often used now. The statement is universal, and is designed to indicate a universal dependence on God in human undertakings, though it is not improbable that there may have been an allusion, when the psalm was composed, to some building which was contemplated or commenced. If the psalm was a composition of David or Solomon, the allusion way have been to the temple about to be erected. The language, however, is so general as to be applicable to any enterprise…”

“Build - Assist and bless those that build it. Psalms 127:2”

“Ps 127 Blessing and protection come from God. Without his presence, there is no success (127:1-2). This is particularly true for children, who are God’s gift (127:3-5). 127:1-2 Unless: These conditional sentences emphasize the positive idea that the Lord will protect the city (cp. 124:1-2). • Human effort is futile unless the Lord blesses it (see 44:3). • from early morning until late at night: This depicts an aggressive and competitive lifestyle. • God’s loved ones enjoy a quiet night’s sleep (3:5; 4:8).”

“for Solomon: or, of Solomon, Psa 72:1 \*title The Lord: Psa 33:16-18; Pro 16:9, Pro 21:30, Pro 21:31; Ecc 9:11; Co1 3:7 build: Ch1 22:10, Ch1 22:11, Ch1 28:10, Ch1 28:20, Ch1 29:19; Co1 3:9-15 they labour: Co1 15:14; Gal 4:11 that build it: Heb. that are builders of it in it except: Psa 121:3-5; Isa 27:3; Zac 2:4, Zac 2:5 the watchman: Sol 3:3, Sol 5:7; Isa 21:5-12, Isa 56:10, Isa 62:6; Jer 51:12, Jer 51:31; Eze 33:2-9 Psalms 127:2”

“The poet proves that everything depends upon the blessing of God from examples taken from the God-ordained life of the family and of the state. The rearing of the house which affords us protection, and the stability of the city in which we securely and peaceably dwell, the acquisition of possessions that maintain and adorn life, the begetting and rearing of sons that may contribute substantial support to the father as he grows old - all these are things which depend upon the blessing of God without natural preliminary conditions being able to guarantee them, well-devised arrangements to ensure them, unwearied labours to obtain them by force, or impatient care and murmuring to get them by…”