Psalm 128

As we noted in our study of Psalm 127, these two Pilgrim Songs speak to the everyday life of the Pilgrim.  Even in David’s time it was not required that one live constantly in Jerusalem, somewhere close to the Ark of the Covenant, in order to have a meaningful relationship with God.  The Tabernacle/Temple and the altar and ark were powerful in terms of men’s ability to know God and to walk humbly before Him.  But note that, as in 127, so in 128: a man can be blessed by God both at work (128:2: the labor of your hands) and at home (128:3: in the very heart of your house). 

It is good to remember this.  A relationship with God has ALWAYS been a matter of the heart, even in Old Testament days when there was so much emphasis on a place of worship and articles of worship (such as the ark, the altars, etc.).  God’s blessing comes on the man who fears the Lord (v1,4).  Whether we do that or not will be evident in our lives, but it is not brought about by what is evident.  As James put it, submission to God and drawing ever closer to God (i.e. through pilgrimage) is the prerequisite to cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts (James 4:7-10).  In the Law of Moses, given in Deuteronomy before the people entered the land, all the commands and laws were preceded by what Jesus confessed to be the greatest commandment: to love God with ALL your heart, soul and strength (Deut. 6:5).

What does this say about today’s Psalm?  It tells us that making pilgrimage (drawing near to God) is essential for us to experience what we often call the good life.  There are wonderful blessings here which many people forfeit in their lives.  What a blessing to be happy at work, not to be frustrated all the time with management or production.  What a blessing to enjoy your family rather than to be in a constant den of contention and grumpiness and disrespect.  What a blessing to be happy in society, regardless of the current direction the government is taking us. 

These are not just automatic blessings.  They comes to the one who fears God.  Again, this is a heart issue that results in actions, words and attitudes.  To fear God is to acknowledge Him in all things.  It is to believe that He is not only real but that you are accountable to Him.  It is not being afraid of God, although that will happen when we know that our lives are a contradiction of Him.  When we live the life of a practical atheist (living as if there were no God), that is fearful.  But remember the truth of Scripture that is given countless times: The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish (Ps., 1:6; cf. Ps. 37:18-20; Prov. 4:18-19, etc.) 

The fear of the Lord brings great joy to those who seek and follow Him.  Pilgrimage is a blessing in this life as well as in the one to come!