1Se o Senhor não edificar a casa, em vão trabalham os que edificam: se o Senhor não guardar a cidade, em vão vigia a sentinella.
2Inutil vos será levantar de madrugada, repousar tarde, comer o pão de dôres, pois assim dá elle aos seus amados o somno.
3Eis que os filhos são herança do Senhor, e o fructo do ventre o seu galardão.
4Como frechas na mão d'um homem valente, assim são os filhos da mocidade.
5Bemaventurado o homem que enche d'elles a sua aljava: não serão confundidos, mas fallarão com os seus inimigos á porta.
📖 Chapter study
Summary
One of the few psalms attributed to Solomon, teaching that without the LORD, human effort to build a house or guard a city is in vain, and that children are a heritage and reward that come from God.
Explanation
This eighth 'Song of Degrees,' attributed to Solomon (who built the temple and was renowned for his wisdom in Proverbs), contrasts anxious, excessive striving ('rising up early, taking rest late') with the confident rest God grants those who depend on him. The second part celebrates children as a blessing and strength for the family, using the image of arrows in a warrior's hand — a metaphor of protection and continuity for future generations. The application for today is to recognize that work and effort matter, but bear fruit only when aligned with God's blessing and timing, without excessive anxiety.
Fun facts
- This is one of only two psalms attributed to Solomon in its Hebrew title (the other being Psalm 72), even though most of the 'Songs of Degrees' are anonymous or attributed to David.
- The image of children as 'arrows in the hand of a mighty man' (v.4) reflects the social value of having a large family for defense and support in ancient agrarian society.