Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD Build the House
Psalm 127:1 (KJV) A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
This 8th psalm of degrees is for Solomon. He was the recipient of this psalm for a good purpose because he was tasked by God to build Israel’s first Temple. Not by his own strength and wisdom is he to build but be reliant on God’s strength and wisdom. And not by his strength to protect for the LORD will protect it. This charge to build the house for the LORD was given to him by David, his father.
This picture of industriousness is tinged with a strong sense of reliance on God’s providence for true success.
The conditional clause “except” or “im” in Hebrew used twice is a real condition that will be fulfilled. It will be an undeniable fact that if God is not in the building equation, this project will fail, by the double use of the negative “not” or “lo” in Hebrew. If God does not protect the city, it will fall.
This is the word “vain” or “empty”, in other words, will amount to nothing at the end of the laborious process. The word “vain” is again repeated twice. The same word vanity that Solomon repeatedly uses in the book of Ecclesiastes to describe all endeavours under the sun without God.
Let us remember the LORD and commit all our endeavours to Him for His honour and glory. Amen.