ASCENT APPLIED – Psalm 127 – 4-14-24

Providence Community Church

Solomon proclaims in Psalm 127 that ascending in any area of life is conditional upon “vigilant providence” (Elicotts commentary). That is the providence of God, not as a set of impersonal systems, but the proactive favor of the Lord. Consider this song in light of the calling of its author, Solomon, a man appointed to build the house of the Lord and to carry on the dynastic lineage of his father, David. Likewise the calling of Nehemiah, which was one of ascent and building. As the temple had fallen into ruin, his return to Jerusalem required the reconstruction of the holyt city and the house of God, not to mention guarding the premises against Israel’s enemies, who were numerous and agitated at the time. Compare this song with the confessions and prayers upon the completion of the temple in Solomon’s Day (worship text). These scenarios serve well as metaphors for the calling of every man. One commentary summarizes: “house-building and city-guarding are examples of ordinary human undertakings.” Psalm 127 expands upon Solomon’s words in Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”