THE BUILDING OF THE HOUSE.
Psalm 127.
This is a “song of degrees,” sung upon the ascent to Jerusalem for worship. It is “for” - or about - Solomon.
David had wanted to build a house for the LORD, but the LORD had replied that it was He who would build a “house” - that is, a family and a future - for David. It was David’s son who would build a house for the LORD (2 Samuel 7:1-2; 2 Samuel 7:11-16).
I. THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE
In Psalm 127 we see first of all that it is the LORD who builds the house.
“House” can be viewed as home, a place to live. The building will be in vain if carried forward without God.
“House” can represent the establishing of our “city” or community. We can elect whom we will to be our new Police Commissioner - but where is our lawful society if we do not acknowledge God?
“House” can represent our family, our security, our future. What future is there if we murder our children?
“House” can represent Temple or church - not just a building, but a Christian community in the earth. Perhaps here of all places we should have learned to depend upon the Lord’s sufficiency, rather than our own resources.
Here, as anywhere, the Lord’s work takes primacy over our work: yet we must also play our part. He who says, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), also says “Go YE and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). We must participate in God’s work, but always remember that without Him there is no success (John 15:5).
II. THE LORD OUR PROTECTOR
It was necessary in the old walled cities to supplement the bastion with diligent watchmen (Nehemiah 7:1-4). Yet unless the LORD peopled the city, then there was no future.
This is why the fruit of the womb is so important in this Psalm. A man-in-the-gate could face the enemy with the LORD before him, and his sons behind him!
The church, too, needs loyal sentinels. Be ready always to give an account of the hope that is within you (1 Peter 3:15).
Christian preachers are watchmen over your spiritual heritage (Ezekiel 3:17). And the Lord watches over His people while we sleep (Psalm 121:4-5). He is our best line of defence (Hebrews 13:6).
III. HE PROVIDES, EVEN WHILE HIS PEOPLE SLEEP
The farmer sows his seed, and then goes to bed (Mark 4:26-29). It is God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Our labour is vain without Him. Workaholics beware!
When we seek first God’s kingdom - and are resting in Jesus - then His provision abounds (Matthew 6:31-33). This is the security of those who trust in Him (Psalm 37:3-9). He provides while His people sleep.
IV. THE BLESSINGS OF FAMILY
For building up the city.
For defence.
For a future.
For an answer to the enemies in the gate.
Solomon did indeed build a house for the LORD: the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:27-30). The LORD did perpetuate David’s line right down to Jesus (Luke 2:4-5). Jesus builds His house within His people (John 14:23): and He is pleased to call us “brethren”, and “children” (Hebrews 2:11-13).
A God-given heritage is a fruit of God’s blessing. Let us entrust ourselves anew to Him. [And let us not forget to pray “for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).]
