Psalm 127:3

3 (126-3) Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.

Psalm 127:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the Lord
As all success, safety, and the blessings of life, depend on the providence of God; so this very great blessing is a gift of his; having children, and those good ones, as the Targum interprets it; for of such only can it be understood: so, in a spiritual sense, the children of Christ, the antitypical Solomon, are the gifts of his heavenly Father to him; his portion and inheritance, and a goodly heritage he esteems them;

[and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward;
"fruit" ^F25 is the same with "children" in the preceding clause; see ( Luke 1:42 ) ; a reward he gives to good men, not of debt, but of grace; the Targum,

``a reward of good works:''

so regenerate persons are a reward to Christ, of his sufferings and death, ( Isaiah 53:10 Isaiah 53:11 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 "Nascitur ad fructum mulier", Claudian. in Eutrop. l. 1. v. 331.

Psalm 127:3 In-Context

1 (126-1) <A gradual canticle of Solomon.> Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

2 (126-2) It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,

3 (126-3) Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.

4 (126-4) As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.

5 (126-5) Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.