Psalm 128

PSALM 128

The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of blessing

1 How blessed (’esher) [1] is everyone who fears Yahweh,	Who walks in His ways. [2]
2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,	You will be happy (’esher) [3] and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine	Within your house,
Your children like olive plants	Around your table.
4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed (barak)	Who fears Yahweh. [4]
5 Yahweh bless (barak) you from Zion,	And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 Indeed, may you see your children’s children.	Peace be upon Israel!

[1] Psalm 127 ended on a note of blessing and Psalm 128 begins on a note of blessing.

[2] “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of Yahweh by doing righteousness and justice, so that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him” (Genesis 18:19).

[3] God’s curse of mankind was upon his labor, “you shall eat bread, Till you return to the ground” (Gen.3:19). But now the curse has been transformed into blessing, “you shall eat…You will be happy.” Fallen man’s work does not merit Yahweh’s blessing but it is a gift of His grace received by faith.

[4] He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Genesis 22:12).