In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat--for He gives sleep to His beloved. In vain you rise early and stay up lateThis phrase emphasizes the futility of human efforts without divine blessing. The Hebrew word for "vain" is "שָׁוְא" (shav), which conveys emptiness or worthlessness. Historically, this reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where early rising and late working were common. Yet, the psalmist reminds us that without God's favor, such toil is fruitless. This serves as a spiritual reminder that our endeavors should be aligned with God's will, trusting in His provision rather than solely relying on our own strength. toiling for bread to eat—
The phrase "toiling for bread" speaks to the basic human struggle for sustenance. The Hebrew root "עָמַל" (amal) for "toiling" suggests laborious work, often with a sense of weariness. In the biblical context, bread symbolizes the necessities of life. This reflects the curse of Genesis 3:19, where man must toil for food. However, Psalm 127:2 points to a higher truth: that God is the ultimate provider, and our labor should be in partnership with His provision. for He gives sleep to His beloved
The word "beloved" is translated from the Hebrew "יְדִידוֹ" (yedid), indicating a deep, affectionate relationship. This phrase underscores the peace and rest that God grants to those He loves. Sleep here is not just physical rest but a metaphor for divine peace and security. In a historical context, this assurance would have been profound for a people often facing uncertainty and danger. Spiritually, it reassures believers that God cares for their needs, allowing them to rest in His sovereignty and love. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 127, Solomon was known for his wisdom and understanding of the futility of human efforts without God's blessing. 2. Jerusalem- As the city where the Temple was built, it represents the center of worship and reliance on God, which is a theme in this Psalm. 3. The Beloved- Refers to those who are loved by God, emphasizing the relationship between God and His people. Teaching Points The Futility of Self-RelianceHuman efforts without God's blessing are ultimately in vain. We must recognize our dependence on God for true success and provision. God's Provision and RestGod provides for His beloved, not just materially but also with rest and peace. Trusting in God allows us to experience His rest. Prioritizing Relationship with GodOur relationship with God should take precedence over our work and worries. When we prioritize God, He takes care of our needs. The Gift of SleepSleep is a gift from God, symbolizing trust and reliance on Him. It is a reminder that we are not in control, and we can rest in His care. Balancing Work and FaithWhile diligence is important, it should not overshadow our faith and trust in God's provision. Balance is key to a fulfilling life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 127:2 challenge our modern views on work and productivity? 2. In what ways can we practically demonstrate trust in God's provision in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of God giving "sleep to His beloved" influence your understanding of rest and work-life balance? 4. What are some areas in your life where you might be relying more on your own efforts than on God's provision? 5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 deepen your understanding of Psalm 127:2 and its application to your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 6:25-34Jesus teaches about not worrying over daily needs, emphasizing trust in God's provision, similar to the message in Psalm 127:2. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23Solomon reflects on the futility of labor without God, paralleling the theme of Psalm 127:2 about the vanity of toil. Proverbs 3:24Highlights the peace and rest that come from trusting in the Lord, akin to the "sleep" given to God's beloved in Psalm 127:2. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Anxious, Beloved, Bread, Delay, Early, Eat, Eating, Gives, Giveth, Grants, Griefs, Labors, Late, Lie, Loved, Loves, Ones, Painful, Rest, Retire, Rise, Rising, Sit, Sitting, Sleep, Sorrow, Sorrows, Stay, Toil, Toiling, VainDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 127:2 4438 eating
5057 rest, physical
5387 leisure, pastimes
5533 sleep, physical
5537 sleeplessness
5582 tiredness
5634 work, and the fall
5636 work, and rest
5833 diligence
5864 futility Psalm 127:1-2 5339 home
5845 emptiness Library The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
The Psalmist says there are some men who deny themselves sleep. For purposes of gain, or ambition, they rise up early and sit up late. Some of us who are here present may have been guilty of the same thing. We have risen early in the morning that we might turn over the ponderous volume, in order to acquire knowledge; we have sat at night until our burned-out lamp has chidden us, and told us that the sun was rising; while our eyes have ached, our brain has throbbed, our heart has palpitated. We have …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855Letter xxxiv. To Marcella.
In reply to a request from Marcella for information concerning two phrases in Ps. cxxvii. ("bread of sorrow," v. 2, and "children of the shaken off," A.V. "of the youth," v. 4). Jerome, after lamenting that Origen's notes on the psalm are no longer extant, gives the following explanations: The Hebrew phrase "bread of sorrow" is rendered by the LXX. "bread of idols"; by Aquila, "bread of troubles"; by Symmachus, "bread of misery." Theodotion follows the LXX. So does Origen's Fifth Version. The Sixth …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Or are we Indeed to Believe that it is for any Other Reason...
41. Or are we indeed to believe that it is for any other reason, that God suffers to be mixed up with the number of your profession, many, both men and women, about to fall, than that by the fall of these your fear may be increased, whereby to repress pride; which God so hates, as that against this one thing The Highest humbled Himself? Unless haply, in truth, thou shalt therefore fear less, and be more puffed up, so as to love little Him, Who hath loved thee so much, as to give up Himself for thee, …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 127:2 NIVPsalm 127:2 NLTPsalm 127:2 ESVPsalm 127:2 NASBPsalm 127:2 KJV
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