Psalm 128

“Choose the good path, Dad; I’m coming right behind you!”

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.“Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6, ESV).

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.“Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6, ESV).

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4, ESV).

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.“Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6, ESV).

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4, ESV).

In the past, we have spoken a good deal about that great responsibility.

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.“Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6, ESV).

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4, ESV).

In the past, we have spoken a good deal about that great responsibility.This morning’s text isn’t about that

responsibility.

A father has a great responsibility to choose the right path for his family.“Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6, ESV).

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4, ESV).

In the past, we have spoken a good deal about that great responsibility.This morning’s text isn’t about that

responsibility.Instead, the text is about the blessings

for fulfilling that responsibility.

Psalm 128

First, this Psalm serves as an “appendix” to Psalm 127.

First, this Psalm serves as an “appendix” to Psalm 127.That Psalm speaks of the blessings of

children.

First, this Psalm serves as an “appendix” to Psalm 127.That Psalm speaks of the blessings of

children: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth” (vv 3-4, ESV).

First, this Psalm serves as an “appendix” to Psalm 127.That Psalm speaks of the blessings of

children: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth” (vv 3-4, ESV).

That Psalm ends the way this Psalm begins.

First, this Psalm serves as an “appendix” to Psalm 127.That Psalm speaks of the blessings of

children: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth” (vv 3-4, ESV).

That Psalm ends the way this Psalm begins: “Blessed in the man . . . .” (v 5, ESV).

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.The text speaks of the one who eats

“the fruit of the labor of [his] hands” (v 2, ESV).

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.The text speaks of the one who eats

“the fruit of the labor of [his] hands” (v 2, ESV). We typically do not eat “the fruit of the labor of [our] hands.”

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.The text speaks of the one who eats

“the fruit of the labor of [his] hands” (v 2, ESV). We typically do not eat “the fruit of the labor of [our] hands.”

The text also speaks of the wife “within your house” (v 3, ESV).

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.The text speaks of the one who eats

“the fruit of the labor of [his] hands” (v 2, ESV). We typically do not eat “the fruit of the labor of [our] hands.”

The text also speaks of the wife “within your house” (v 3, ESV).The Hebrew literally reads, “In the

innermost parts of your house.”

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.The text speaks of the one who eats

“the fruit of the labor of [his] hands” (v 2, ESV). We typically do not eat “the fruit of the labor of [our] hands.”

The text also speaks of the wife “within your house” (v 3, ESV).The Hebrew literally reads, “In the

innermost parts of your house.”In ancient Oriental cultures, the

women’s quarters were the innermost parts of the house, & they, therefore, were not generally expected to be seen outside of the house.

Second, this Psalm is firmly rooted in the culture of ancient Israel.

Thus, some of the imagery the psalmist uses will sound quite strange to us.

Third, this Psalm, like the other Psalms, is poetry.

Third, this Psalm, like the other Psalms, is poetry.The psalmist compares the wife to a

“fruitful vine” & the children to “olive shoots” (v 3, ESV).

Third, this Psalm, like the other Psalms, is poetry.The psalmist compares the wife to a

“fruitful vine” & the children to “olive shoots” (v 3, ESV).

Therefore, we need to be careful about taking this Psalm too literally.

This morning, we want to examine "THE BLESSED FATHER."

This morning, we want to examine "THE BLESSED FATHER."

A FEARFUL FIDELITYA FRUITFUL FAMILYA FAITHFUL FELLOWSHIP

A FEARFUL FIDELITYv 1

“Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!” (v 1, ESV).

What does it mean to "fear the LORD"?

Hebrew poetry uses parallelism.

Hebrew poetry uses parallelism.Thus, the second line often explains

the first line.

Hebrew poetry uses parallelism.Thus, the second line often explains

the first line.“Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips,

from a deceitful tongue” (Ps 120:2, ESV).

Hebrew poetry uses parallelism.Thus, the second line often explains

the first line.“Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips,

from a deceitful tongue” (Ps 120:2, ESV).

“Lying lips” & “a deceitful tongue” refer to the same thing—viz., a lying person.

Hebrew poetry uses parallelism.Thus, the second line often explains

the first line.Therefore, in this Psalm, fearing the

LORD is the same thing as walking in his ways.

Throughout the Scriptures, “fearing the LORD” means “honoring him in daily lives.”

Throughout the Scriptures, “fearing the LORD” means “honoring him in daily lives.”“There was a man in the land of Uz

whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1, ESV).

Throughout the Scriptures, “fearing the LORD” means “honoring him in daily lives.”Job 1:1.“Whoever walks in uprightness fears

the LORD” (Prov 14:2, ESV).

Throughout the Scriptures, “fearing the LORD” means “honoring him in daily lives.”Job 1:1.Prov 14:2.“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon

him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD” (Is 11:2, ESV).

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.After Saul took spoil from the

Amalekites, contrary to the will of God, “the word of the LORD came to Samuel: ‘I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments’” (1 Sm 15:10-11, ESV).

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.God had given Saul quite explicit

instructions for going against the Amalekites.

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.God had given Saul quite explicit

instructions for going against the Amalekites.“Devote to destruction all that they

have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Sm 15:3, ESV).

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.God had given Saul quite explicit

instructions for going against the Amalekites.“Devote to destruction all that they

have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Sm 15:3, ESV).

But, Saul & his men refused to “devote to destruction” everything.

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.God had given Saul quite explicit

instructions for going against the Amalekites.“Devote to destruction all that they

have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Sm 15:3, ESV).

But, Saul & his men refused to “devote to destruction” everything. Therefore, the LORD rejected Saul as king.

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.“This day the LORD your God

commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut 26:16, ESV).

In this Psalm, fearing the LORD means that one obeys him.

Obedience to God is absolutely essential to pleasing him.1 Sm 15:10-11.Deut 26:16.“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord,

Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 7:21, ESV).

Do we fear the LORD & walk in his ways?

A FRUITFUL FAMILYvv 3, 6

“You wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table” (v 3, ESV).

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.It was a symbol of peace & prosperity.

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.It was a symbol of peace & prosperity:

“Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon” (1 Ki 4:25, ESV).

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.It was a symbol of peace & prosperity (1

Ki 4:25).It was a symbol of the Messianic age.

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.It was a symbol of peace & prosperity (1

Ki 4:25).It was a symbol of the Messianic age.

In the latter days “they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken” (Mic 4:4, ESV).

The blessed father’s wife will be like a fruitful vine.“Behold, children are a heritage of the

LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3, ESV).

The image of the vine was quite important in ancient Israel.It was a symbol of peace & prosperity (1

Ki 4:25).It was a symbol of the Messianic age.

Mic 4:4.“In that day, declares the LORD of hosts,

every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree” (Zech 3:10, ESV).

How should we understand this image?

This image reminds us of the blessings of a wife.

This image reminds us of the blessings of a wife.“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good

that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Gn 2:18, ESV).

This image reminds us of the blessings of a wife.“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good

that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Gn 2:18, ESV).

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband” (Prov 12:4, ESV).

This image reminds us of the blessings of a wife.“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good

that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Gn 2:18, ESV).

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband” (Prov 12:4, ESV).

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD” (Prov 18:22, ESV).

Do we realize what a blessing our wives are?

Do we honor God by “showing honor to the woman” (1 Pt 3:7, ESV)?

Do we honor God by “showing honor to the woman” (1 Pt 3:7, ESV)?

Do we love God by loving our wives “as Christ loved the church” (Eph 5:25, ESV)?

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.Olives provided the oil for the light in

the tabernacle (Ex 27:20).

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.Olives provided the oil for the light in

the tabernacle (Ex 27:20).Olives, with spices & perfumes, was part

of the oil used for anointing priests (Ex 30:24).

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.Olives provided the oil for the light in

the tabernacle (Ex 27:20).Olives, with spices & perfumes, was part

of the oil used for anointing priests (Ex 30:24).

Olives provided food (Hab 3:17).

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.Olives provided the oil for the light in

the tabernacle (Ex 27:20).Olives, with spices & perfumes, was part

of the oil used for anointing priests (Ex 30:24).

Olives provided food (Hab 3:17).Olive oil was even used medicinally.

The blessed father’s children will be like olive shoots around his table.The olive was very important in ancient

Israel.The olive tree takes many years to

reach maturity.

The point is that with careful cultivation our children will provide fruit for years to come.

The point is that with careful cultivation our children will provide fruit for years to come.A point could be that children will bear

their own children.

The point is that with careful cultivation our children will provide fruit for years to come.A point could be that children will bear

their own children.But, because of the emphasis on

righteousness, the point is likely that mature children will continue a righteous heritage.

Children often imitate their parents.

Children often imitate their parents.Abijam “walked in all the sins that his

father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God” (1 Ki 15:3, ESV).

Children often imitate their parents.Abijam “walked in all the sins that his

father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God” (1 Ki 15:3, ESV).

Uzziah “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done” (2 Chr 26:4, ESV).

“May you see your children’s children!” (v 6, ESV).

Most Israelites—like most people today—had grandchildren.

Most Israelites—like most people today—had grandchildren.But, with lower life spans, most people

never saw their grandchildren.

Most Israelites—like most people today—had grandchildren.But, with lower life spans, most people

never saw their grandchildren.Thus grandchildren were a high-prized

blessing.

Most Israelites—like most people today—had grandchildren.But, with lower life spans, most people

never saw their grandchildren.Thus grandchildren were a high-prized

blessing: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Prov 17:6, ESV).

Is your family, because of your righteousness, A FRUITFUL FAMILY?

A FAITHFUL FELLOWSHIP

v 5

The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!” (v 5, ESV).

“Zion” was a fortified hill in or near Jerusalem.

“Zion” was a fortified hill in or near Jerusalem.David took Zion on his conquest of

Jerusalem (2 Sm 5:6-10).

“Zion” was a fortified hill in or near Jerusalem.David took Zion on his conquest of

Jerusalem (2 Sm 5:6-10).Biblical writers use “Zion” to refer to

(a) Jerusalem; (b) the Temple; or (c) the heavenly city.

“Zion” was a fortified hill in or near Jerusalem.David took Zion on his conquest of

Jerusalem (2 Sm 5:6-10).Biblical writers use “Zion” to refer to

(a) Jerusalem; (b) the Temple; or (c) the heavenly city.

The relation of Zion to Jerusalem in this verse suggests that we should think of Zion as Jerusalem, the place where God dwelt in the Temple (1 Ki 8:10-11).

The psalmist wishes for the faithful man “the prosperity of Jerusalem.”

The psalmist wishes for the faithful man “the prosperity of Jerusalem.”When the ancient Israelites were away

from Jerusalem, they were greatly concerned about the security of Jerusalem, the Temple, & the strength of the Davidic kingdom.

The psalmist wishes for the faithful man “the prosperity of Jerusalem.”When the ancient Israelites were away

from Jerusalem, they were greatly concerned about the security of Jerusalem, the Temple, & the strength of the Davidic kingdom.The Psalm is “A Song of Ascents,” one

the people would sing as they traveled to Jerusalem for an important feast.

The psalmist wishes for the faithful man “the prosperity of Jerusalem.”When the ancient Israelites were away

from Jerusalem, they were greatly concerned about the security of Jerusalem, the Temple, & the strength of the Davidic kingdom.The Psalm is “A Song of Ascents,” one

the people would sing as they traveled to Jerusalem for an important feast.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” (Psalm 122:6-7, ESV).

The psalmist wishes for the faithful man “the prosperity of Jerusalem.”When the ancient Israelites were away

from Jerusalem, they were greatly concerned about the security of Jerusalem, the Temple, & the strength of the Davidic kingdom.

Jerusalem & Temple worship mattered to a faithful Israelite to the core of his being.

How much do such things matter to us?

How much do such things matter to us?

How much do we care about the church?

The church should matter to us greatly.

The church should matter to us greatly.“Pay careful attention to yourselves

and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28, ESV).

The church should matter to us greatly.Acts 20:28.“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ

loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25-28, ESV).

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?The “Model Prayer”: “Your kingdom

come” (Mt 6:10, ESV).

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?The “Model Prayer”: “Your kingdom

come” (Mt 6:10, ESV).I do not deny that the kingdom of God

has come upon the earth.

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?The “Model Prayer”: “Your kingdom

come” (Mt 6:10, ESV).I do not deny that the kingdom of God

has come upon the earth.But, can’t we pray, “Your kingdom

spread?”

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?The “Model Prayer”: “Your kingdom

come” (Mt 6:10, ESV).I do not deny that the kingdom of God

has come upon the earth.But, can’t we pray, “Your kingdom

spread?”The principle of Jesus’ prayer is that the

kingdom of God fill the earth.

The church should matter to us greatly.

Does the church really matter that much to us?The “Model Prayer”: “Your kingdom

come” (Mt 6:10, ESV).I do not deny that the kingdom of God

has come upon the earth.But, can’t we pray, “Your kingdom

spread?”The principle of Jesus’ prayer is that the

kingdom of God fill the earth.Shall we pray for the church?

Do we care about the church as the ancient Israelites cared about the Temple?

The point: As men live like they should, families live like they should; as families live like they should, cities live like they should, as cities live like they should, nations live like they should.

The point: As men live like they should, families live like they should; as families live like they should, cities live like they should, as cities live like they should, nations live like they should.

“As goes the home, so goes the nation.”

We often lament the moral decline in this nation.

We often lament the moral decline in this nation.There can be no doubt but that there is

serious, serious moral decay in America.

We often lament the moral decline in this nation.There can be no doubt but that there is

serious, serious moral decay in America.

But, we can do something about it.

We often lament the moral decline in this nation.There can be no doubt but that there is

serious, serious moral decay in America.

But, we can do something about it—live right & train our families to live right.

Are you training your family to live righteously?

Are you training your family to live righteously?

Are you living righteously?