What does Psalm chapter 128 mean?
The songs "of ascent" (Psalms 120—134) often follow unique themes. This psalm focuses on the benefits of reverence for the Lord. The lesson is not that obedience guarantees prosperity for all people. Rather, it evokes God's unique promises to Israel (Deuteronomy 30:15–18) and the idea that godly wisdom is more likely to bring success than disaster (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27).The psalm opens with a direct statement that obedience to God results in being "blessed." Such persons have reason to anticipate good things in life, especially regarding their family. Israel knew better than most nations that hardship and disaster can come to anyone, no matter how pious (Psalm 11:5; 49:10; 90:10; Deuteronomy 8:5). Yet they also knew that following God's instructions would naturally lead them towards good and away from evil (Psalm 128:1–4).
With that in mind, the psalmist prays for a blessing, presumably on the God-honoring person. This connects to Jerusalem, which was founded in the mountain fortress, Zion, captured by David (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). To see a lifetime of peace and prosperity in the city of David would be quite a blessing, indeed (Psalm 128:5–6).
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
This is one of fifteen songs labeled "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). These were used when traveling "up" the hills to Jerusalem for various festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Themes in this psalm echo lessons from the book of Proverbs regarding the benefits of godly wisdom (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27). Other psalms make similar remarks (Psalm 112:1; 119:1).
