What does Psalm 128:5 mean?
ESV: The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
NIV: May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
NASB: The Lord bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
CSB: May the Lord bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life
NLT: May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
KJV: The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
NKJV: The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.
Verse Commentary:
The last verses of this psalm express a prayer of blessing. Earlier verses explained the benefits of faithful reverence to God (Psalm 128:1–4). This prayer seems to be directed at such a person. These songs (Psalms 120—134) were tied to pilgrims coming to Jerusalem for annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). Another name of Jerusalem was Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Since Israel was so often under attack from enemies, it would be a true blessing to live one's entire life with nothing but peace for the city.
Use of these songs "of ascent" solidified after the Babylonian exile (2 Chronicles 36:17–21; Ezra 2:1). The seventy years Israel spent in captivity was just one of the many traumas suffered by the nation. Praying for peace, both on a person and on the city of David, was an appropriate request.
Verse Context:
Psalm 128:5–6 proclaims a blessing over those who fear God (Psalm 128:1) and asks for peace over Jerusalem. Zion is the mountain which David captured (2 Samuel 5:7) and turned into the capital of Israel (1 Kings 8:1). The psalmist's hope is that those who love the Lord will be granted long, happy lives free from violence.
Chapter Summary:
Those who properly honor and follow the Lord are said to "fear" Him (Proverbs 9:10–11). This results in being blessed. The psalm does not guarantee prosperity, but Scripture indicates that the Lord's commands offer greater chance of success and less chance of negative consequences (Proverbs 8:33–36). Godly living benefits one's marriage, children, and life in general. The psalm ends with a prayer of blessing which refers to Zion, the location of Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1).
Chapter 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).
Book Summary:
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.
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