Question 1

What does it mean to fear the Lord and walk in his ways in this psalm?

Accepted Answer

Here, fearing the Lord means having a deep respect for God that shows in how you live. It is not terror that pushes you away, but reverence that draws you to obey him. To “walk in his ways” means shaping your daily life by what God has said is right, not just by your own ideas or the habits of those around you. This psalm links that kind of God‑centered life with real happiness, saying that the person who lives like this is already blessed and will be blessed in the future.

Question 2

What is meant by eating the labour of thine hands?

Accepted Answer

“Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands” means God will let you enjoy the results of your own honest work. It does not promise an easy life without effort, but it does say that the one who fears God will usually have work to do, strength to do it, and the chance to enjoy what that work brings. Others will not constantly take it away, and it will not be empty. There is quiet joy in simple food, sleep, and daily needs met as a gift from God’s care.

Question 3

Why is the wife compared to a fruitful vine and the children to olive plants?

Accepted Answer

The picture of a wife as a fruitful vine beside the house shows a loved, protected, and fruitful woman, bringing life and beauty to the home. The vine clings to the house and bears good fruit, just as a faithful wife is closely joined to her husband and blesses the household. Children as “olive plants” around the table picture many children growing straight and strong, full of promise, gathered in peace with their parents. Both images point to a warm, steady family life as one way God often chooses to bless those who fear him.

Question 4

What does it mean that the Lord shall bless thee out of Zion?

Accepted Answer

Being blessed “out of Zion” points to God giving good things to his people from the place where he has chosen to meet with them. Zion was the center of worship, where sacrifices were offered and prayers were made. So this line is not only about money or crops, but about God’s special favour that comes as people draw near to him in worship. It includes the good of hearing his word, sharing in his people’s praise, and knowing that his blessing on the gathered people also overflows into your own home and work.

Question 5

What is the good of Jerusalem in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “good of Jerusalem” is the welfare and peace of God’s people as a whole. It means seeing the city where God is worshiped in a healthy, settled state rather than torn by trouble. For someone who fears the Lord, joy is not only in private comfort but also in seeing God’s people doing well, his worship upheld, and his truth passed on. The psalm pictures a long life in which you can keep seeing this kind of good, instead of having your personal blessings spoiled by constant public distress around you.

Question 6

What does seeing thy children’s children and peace upon Israel show about God’s blessing?

Accepted Answer

Seeing “thy children’s children” is a simple but deep picture of long life and a lasting family line. It means living long enough to hold your grandchildren and see your family continued. “Peace upon Israel” adds a wider hope: that while your own family grows, the whole people of God enjoy peace and well‑being. Together, they show that God’s blessing is not only about one person’s comfort, but about family faithfulness over time and calm, steady life among God’s people, with hope that faith is being passed to the next generations.

Question 7

How does this psalm speak to someone who feels poor or overlooked?

Accepted Answer

This psalm does not promise riches or high status, but it lifts up the person who fears the Lord, whatever their place in life. It says the good life is found in knowing God, working honestly, enjoying simple food, and finding joy in family and God’s people. Even if you feel small in the world’s eyes, God sees you and calls you blessed as you walk in his ways. The world may prize ease and luxury, but this passage reminds you that quiet faithfulness with God’s favour is a better portion.

Question 8

How can I apply this psalm about family and work to my own life?

Accepted Answer

You can take this psalm as an invitation to put the fear of the Lord first in your home and work. Ask God to shape your choices by his ways, whether you are single, married, a parent, or not. Look for his blessing in honest labour, shared meals, and time with those he has placed around your table. Pray for your family to be fruitful in good character and faith. Also, care about the wider people of God, praying for peace and spiritual health, because this psalm ties personal joy to the good of God’s whole household.

Psalm 128:1

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

The Blessed Fear of the LORD

A song of ascents.

The Blessed Fear of the LORD

A song of ascents.

metadata.crossReferences

Psalm 128:1

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

The Blessed Fear of the LORD

A song of ascents.

The Blessed Fear of the LORD

A song of ascents.

metadata.crossReferences