Psalms 127:5

Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Happy {H835} is the man {H1397} that hath his quiver {H827} full {H4390} of them: they shall not be ashamed {H954}, but they shall speak {H1696} with the enemies {H341} in the gate {H8179}.

How blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them; he will not have to be embarrassed when contending with foes at the city gate.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Commentary

Psalms 127:5 declares a profound blessing upon the man whose family is strong and numerous, likening children to arrows in a warrior's quiver. This verse concludes a psalm that emphasizes God's essential role in building a household and a nation, highlighting the joy and security found in a divinely blessed family.

Context

Psalm 127 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for festivals. It's attributed to Solomon, underscoring themes of wisdom and divine providence in daily life. The preceding verses establish that human effort is futile without God's blessing: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it." Children are then introduced as a direct heritage and reward from the Lord (Psalms 127:3), compared to "arrows in the hand of a mighty man" (Psalms 127:4). Verse 5 builds on this metaphor, celebrating the strength and honor a large family provides.

Key Themes

  • Children as a Divine Blessing: The verse reiterates the ancient and biblical understanding that a large family is a sign of God's favor and a source of joy. The word "Happy" (Hebrew: 'ashre) signifies a state of deep blessedness and good fortune, not merely fleeting happiness.
  • Strength and Security in Numbers: A "quiver full of them" symbolizes a family strong in numbers, offering support, protection, and a legacy. In ancient societies, a large family meant more hands for labor, more defenders, and greater social standing.
  • Public Vindication and Honor: "They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." The "gate" was the central place of public life in ancient cities – where business was conducted, justice was administered, and legal disputes were settled. To "speak with the enemies in the gate" implies having a strong presence, a voice that commands respect, and the ability to defend one's family's honor and rights without fear of being shamed or intimidated. A united and numerous family provided collective strength against adversaries, whether in legal disputes or social challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "speak with the enemies in the gate" vividly portrays the public sphere of ancient life. The gate was not just an entrance but the primary civic space, a form of ancient courthouse or parliament. Having many children, especially sons, meant a larger household capable of upholding the family's reputation and defending its interests in public forums. The idea of "not being ashamed" contrasts with the vulnerability of a small or fragmented household, which could be easily exploited or silenced.

Practical Application

While modern society differs from ancient Israel, the core principles remain relevant. This verse reminds us that families, under God's guidance, are fundamental units of strength, support, and spiritual heritage. It encourages us to view children as a precious gift and to invest in nurturing strong, godly families. The "quiver full" can be interpreted not just literally in terms of quantity of children, but also metaphorically as a household filled with spiritual strength, unity, and a clear moral standing. Such a family, grounded in faith, can confidently "speak in the gate," representing truth and righteousness in a world that often opposes biblical values. Just as the blessing of the LORD maketh rich, a family built on His principles brings true wealth and honor.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 27:11 (6 votes)

    ¶ My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

  • Job 42:12 (4 votes)

    So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

  • Job 42:16 (4 votes)

    After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, [even] four generations.

  • Job 5:4 (3 votes)

    His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

  • Genesis 50:23 (2 votes)

    And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

  • Psalms 18:47 (-1 votes)

    [It is] God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

  • Job 1:2 (-1 votes)

    And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.