This psalm is similar to the previous psalm, Psalm 127. Some suggest it’s following on from the previous psalm because it speaks of the blessings which come from fearing the LORD, and one of those blessings is having children, who then go on to have children of their own.
Although the headings aren’t inspired by God, they are important because they give us some understanding of the Psalm, and they help us to see why it was written. The headings usually tell us four things.
1. Who wrote them, probably wrote them, or possibly wrote them.
2. Information about the historical background to the Psalm. Why was it written?
3. They tell us of the tune the Psalm was written to.
4. How it was used.
The heading tells us this is a song of ascents. Psalms 120-134 all have the same heading.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Several theories of why this group of psalms is so named are available. The Jewish explanation is that there were fifteen steps from the Court of the Women to the Court of the Men in the Temple, and that each of these psalms was sung in succession on those steps. Another view is that these songs were sung in successive phases of the Jews’ return from captivity. Apparently, the true explanation is that these psalms were written for the pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the great annual feasts, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. ‘It seems most probable that these songs form a collection for the use of pilgrims who came up to Jerusalem at the great feasts.’
The psalmist begins by reminding us that those who fear the LORD will be blessed by Him, Psalm 128:1. Those who totally respect God will be blessed by Him because they are obedient to Him, Psalm 128:1 / Psalm 111:10 / Job 28:28 / Proverbs 1:7 / Proverbs 9:10 / Ecclesiastes 12:13.
One of the blessings of being obedient to God is seen in the success of a person’s farming efforts, Psalm 128:2 / Genesis 3:17-19. They will be blessed with much fruit and prosperity for their hard labour efforts, Psalm 128:12 / Isaiah 3:10.
Another blessing from being obedient to God is seen in that their wives will be like a fruitful vine, Psalm 128:3 / Song of Songs 7:8-13 / Judges 9:13. In other words, they will have many children, Genesis 15:5 / Genesis 22:17 / Genesis 32:12.
Their children will be like olive shoots around their table, Psalm 128:3, that is, the children will be a rich blessing to their parents. The psalmist reminds us that these are the blessings which come from fearing and being obedient to the LORD, Psalm 128:4.
They ask the LORD to bless His people out of Zion, and they ask that God’s people see prosperity in Jerusalem all the days of their lives, Psalm 128:5. In other words, the psalmist recognises that God will be good to His people if they continue to fear Him and be obedient to Him.
Another blessing from fearing the LORD and being obedient to Him is seen in how the psalmist asks that the parents live long enough to enjoy the blessings which come from having grandchildren, Psalm 128:6.
The final blessing which comes from fearing and being obedient to God is peace, Psalm 128:6. This isn’t only peace for the individual but peace within the whole nation, Psalm 128:6 / Psalm 125:5.
Obedience is a word that a lot of people don’t like; however, as we saw in this psalm, obedience comes with a whole host of blessings. It’s clear that one of the many ways we worship and glorify God is through our obedience to Him.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that if we are obedient to God, then He will take care of our future, Isaiah 1:19. We may not see the benefits of obedience just as a child doesn’t see the benefits from being obedient to their parents. Here are three things to put into practice to help us obey better.
1. Reflect upon the importance of obedience.
When you read the Scriptures, notice how over and over again, it is stressed that obedience is important to God, 1 Samuel 15:22 / Luke 6:46.
2. Think about God’s promises in relation to obedience.
God wants to bless us with so much if we are obedient to Him, Joshua 1:8.
3. Our obedience to Him demonstrates our love for Him and others.
If we want to really know the heart of God, we cannot ignore His desire for us to be obedient to Him, John 14:15 / 1 John 5:2-3.