Psalm 127–128

A Prayer for Protection and Prosperity

127A song of ascents. Of Solomon.^a

¹Unless Yahweh builds a house,

its builders labor at it in vain.

Unless Yahweh guards a city,

a guard watches in vain.

²It is in vain for you who rise early and sit late,

eating the bread of anxious toil,

when thus he^b provides^c for his beloved in his sleep.^d

³Look, children^e are the heritage^f of Yahweh;

the fruit of the womb is a reward.

⁴Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

so are the children^g of one’s youth.

⁵Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.^h

They shall not be put to shame

when they speak with enemies at the gate.

Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears Yahweh

128A song of ascents.^a

¹Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh,

who walks in his ways.

²You will indeed eat of the labor of your hands;

you will be happy and it will be well with you.

³Your wife will be like a fruitful vine

within^b your house.

Your children^c will be like olive shoots

about your table.

⁴Look, for thus shall a man be blessed

who fears Yahweh.^d

⁵May Yahweh bless you from Zion,

that you may see the good of Jerusalem

all the days of your life,

⁶and that you may see your children’s children.

May peace be upon Israel.