Message Notes

SSS 4 23 August 2026
Text: Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labour in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

1. This Psalm was written by Solomon

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labour in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:1-2

2. This Psalm emphasises God’s Role in the building of the Home

a) His role is of utmost importance

b) Mere human effort would be inadequate

i) Rise up early

ii) Sit up late

iii) Eat the bread of sorrows

c) God’s role

i) He helps to build the home

ii) He guards

iii) He gives needed sleep

3. Children are God’s special blessings

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

a) They are a heritage from the Lord

b) They are a reward

c) Good children are a special blessing

d) They are described:

i) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

ii) They fly straight and true

iii) They will defend the home from enemies

iv) They are courageous and unafraid of enemies