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Response
Psalm 127 is one of two psalms attributed to Solomon (the other is Psalm 72) and resembles a proverb. It offers wisdom for constructing a secure home and a godly family where the Lord is honored, and His kingdom is advanced on earth. As one of the Songs of Ascent, this psalm would encourage families during their journeys to Jerusalem to rely on God for all their needs and express gratitude for every blessing received. One of these blessings is the gift of children: “Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord” «Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: And the fruit of the womb is his reward. », (Psalm 127:3, CEV).
Many Bible versions use the term “heritage” instead of “blessing” and “reward” in place of “gift.” For instance, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (NIV), and “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (ESV). In the original Hebrew, the word nachalah, translated as “heritage” or “blessing,” means “inheritance.” Solomon confirms the ancient belief in the Near East that children are a gracious gift from God to parents.
In the times of the Old Testament, a large family with many sons and daughters was a symbol of the Lord’s favor and a manifestation of divine grace (Genesis 33:5;Deuteronomy 7:13-14;Joshua 24:3). In Genesis 1:28, God instructed His people to “be fruitful and multiply.” After the flood, God commanded Noah, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth” «And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. »,(Genesis 9:1). As God’s covenant people, the ancient Hebrews understood the significance of procreation. The Lord promised Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). Israel’s physical, emotional, and economic strength and security were demonstrated through large families «He maketh the barren woman to keep house, And to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.», (Psalm 113:9).
Children bring immense joy and delight «The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: And he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. », (Proverbs 23:24). However, when they disobey and rebel, they can also bring heartache and grief to their parents. It is undeniable that children come with significant responsibilities, yet they are also one of life’s greatest blessings. Nurturing children demands a substantial investment of time, resources, and love, but the rewards that follow are beyond measure. Jesus acknowledged, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” «But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. », (Luke 12:48). Instead of viewing children as a burden or liability, believers are encouraged to embrace them as a legacy and gift from God (see Exodus
23:25-26).
Solomon continues: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court” (Psalm 127:4-5). These lines depict a father as a warrior and his children as arrows in his quiver. A soldier with his “quiver full” was fully armed and ready for battle. In families founded on a godly basis, children are a crucial weapon against the forces of evil in the world. Children, like arrows, can be sent out into the world to advance the cause of God’s kingdom.
The Lord commanded the Israelites to teach their children His ways (Deuteronomy 6:6-7;11:19), and that responsibility remains with Christian parents today (see Ephesians 6:4). Fortunately, the Bible offers much wisdom and instruction for raising godly children. The ultimate goal is to raise wise children who will honor and glorify God and serve Him throughout their lives «Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it. », (Proverbs 22:6).
Children are also a blessing from the Lord because they provide future protection and security to their families. In ancient Israel, a household with many sons offered safety and defense—more children meant less vulnerability. Parents who have children when they are young are blessed because those children will grow up to provide support and financial stability for their parents later in life. Grown children safeguard the family inheritance from those who might try to take legal or financial advantage of elderly parents. They also carry on the family heritage to future generations.
Moreover, children are a blessing from the Lord in t
They demonstrate many character qualities that God wants His kingdom servants to cultivate (Matthew 18:3-4; 19:14; Mark 10:14-15; Luke 18:16-17; 22:26; 1 Peter 2:2).
Solomon’s statement that children are a blessing from the Lord does not mean God has not blessed childless couples or that children are the only sign of His favor. It simply means that children are to be received as an expression of God’s goodness and grace and not as a curse or an inconvenience. When God chooses to bless us with children, He intends to bring great joy, pleasure, security, protection, and reward to our home and family through them.
