AN
EXEGETICAL STUDY OF PSALM 127
by
Bruce K. Dahlberg
Submitted in partial
fulfillment of requirements
for the degree of
Master of Theology in
Grace
Theological Seminary
May 1984
Digitized by Ted
Hildebrandt,
Title: AN
EXEGETICAL STUDY OF PSALM 127
Author: Bruce K. Dahlberg
Degree: Master of Theology, 1984
Advisers:
John J. Davis and D. Wayne Knife
Proper exegetical study of Psalm 127
is often clouded by
unnecessary
baggage. Presuppositions have torn this psalm away from
its
historical situation. These presuppositions hindered the understanding
of
the psalm and the resolution of specific problems in the psalm.
By way of a contextual analysis that
is confirmed
and
developed through an exegetical study of this psalm, a
proper
focus for exegetical study can be achieved. The
Hebrew
text is clear of any textual difficulties. It is the
LXX
that has created textual difficulties which can be
cleared
up by proper exegesis. This wisdom psalm is com-
posed
of two aphorisms that are unified in one psalm. These
two
aphorisms or proverbs seek to describe and prescribe the
way
to achieve the good life. The psalm evidences a
eudaemonistic
or prudential wisdom flavor. The Sitz im
Leben is probably seen in the
pilgrimages of the Israelite
to
the annual feasts in
are
tied together. The trustworthiness of the psalm titles,
the
nature of wisdom literature, and biblical evidence point
to
a Solomonic authorship and a date around 971-941 B.C. It
is
important to note that wisdom literature does not indicate lateness.
The dictum of Yahweh's sovereignty
is spelled out in
verses
1-2. If the activity of life providing shelter and
security
is done without acknowledgement of Yahweh in the
attitude
of the worker, the thing which is done is evil.
xvw speaks primarily of wickedness, that which is
done
against
the will of God. The dictum of God also speaks to
the
livelihood of man. The life that stretches that day
beyond
normal limits because of anxiety or licentiousness is
declared
evil. xnAwe
means sleep as traditionally understood,
is
the reward of the diligent worker (Ecc 5:18-6:2).
Because
of the literary device used, it is unnecessary to
seek
other meanings for the word xnAwe. The blessing of
Yahweh
is spelled out in verses 3-5. The themes began in
verse
one tie in the second proverb. Sons
become a heritage
of
earthly parents who are like arrows to be used by the
mighty
warrior. In time of need the father can depend on
them
for support against unfair judiciary practice in the city gate.
The beauty of the psalm is not only
in the meaning
of
it, but the literary production is truly superb. Many
types
of parallelism are used along with verbal figures that
tie
the psalm together and guide one in the understanding of
the
semantical aspects of the psalm.
Accepted by the Faculty of Grace
Theological Seminary
in partial fulfillment of
requirements for the degree
Master
of Theology
John J. Davis
D.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vi
INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
1
Chapter
I. CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS 3
Textual Critical Note 3
Gattung 4
Sitz im Leben 7
Structure 10
Unity of Psalm 127 10
Outline of Psalm 127 14
Authorship and Date 15
Psalm Titles 15
Wisdom Literature 17
Biblical Evidence 23
II. EXEGETICAL STUDY PROPER 28
Introduction 28
Verse One 29
Grammatical Observations 29
Semantical Studies 31
tyiba/ ryfi 32
xv;wA 37
Interpretative Summary 39
Verse Two 42
Grammatical Observations 42
Semantical Studies 48
xnAwe--A Resolution 49
xnAwe---Other Explanations 55
Interpretative Summary 58
Verse Three 59
Grammatical Observations 59
Semantical Studies 61
Interpretative Summary 63
Verse Four 65
Grammatical Observations 65
Semantical Studies 65
Interpretative Summary 68
Verse Five 69
Grammatical Observations 69
iv
v
Semantical Studies 71
Interpretative Summary 75
Conclusion 76
III. A SUGGESTED TRANSLATION 78
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
APPENDICES 79
I. Structural Schematic 79
II. House/City 80
III. Quiver/Arrows 82
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CONSULTED WORKS
86
LIST OF
ABBREVIATIONS
AB Anchor Bible
ANE Ancient Near
East
ANET J. B. Pritchard,
ed., Ancient Near Eastern
Texts
BA Biblical
Archaeologist
BDB Francis
Brown, S. R. Driver, C. A. Briggs,
Hebrew
and English Lexicon of the Old Testament
BHS Biblia
hebraica stuttgartensia
DJD Discoveries in
the
DSS
ExpTim Expository Times
GKC
Grammar
HUCA
ICC International
Critical Commentary
JANESCU Journal of the Ancient Near Eastern
Society of
JAOS Journal
of the American Oriental Society
JSOT Journal
for the Study of the Old Testament
LXX Septuagint
MSS Manuscripts
MT Massoretic
Text
VT Vetus
Testamentum
vi
INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
In a few terse verses, Psalm 127 delineates the
spectrum of God's
sovereignty--a spectrum that moves from
the realm of judgment to the
realm of blessing. The verses
which open up this spectrum are
superficially familiar to
many. They present simple
truths that are often used with-
out consideration for the
context from which they come.
Consequently, the literary
beauty and total impact of the
psalm are lost.
The psalm is not a difficult one. Yet, there are
problems in it that perplex
interpreters. The unity of the
psalm and the final colon of
verse two are problematic areas
of this psalm.1 It
is usually the latter problem which
draws the most attention. Apart
from these two areas of
concern the psalm has not been
inundated with serious study.
Not only does the psalm speak
of tremendous theological
truths, but, it also provides a
sphere in which to see the
literary hand of a poet at
work. Both of these areas tease
the interpreter for further
study. Above all of these, the
canonicity of the psalm is a
major factor for the pursuit of
study. It is part of God's word
which reveals God and any
1Patrick D. Miller,
"Psalm 127--The House that
Yahweh Builds," JSOT (1982):119.
1
2
study in which one's knowledge
of God is expanded is worth-
while (2 Tim 3:16).
The purpose of this thesis is to exegetically under-
stand this psalm as a basis for
valid application for the
modern day believer. In order
to accomplish this goal,
introductory matters must be
dealt with such as the Gattung,
Sitz
im Leben, structure, authorship, and date; an exegeti-
cal study of the verses must be
undertaken; and finally the
application of the psalm is
necessary.
CHAPTER I
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
The matters dealt with in this chapter should not
be viewed apart from the
exegetical study. These matters
are derived from and confirmed
by exegetical study. They
are presented here prior to the
exegetical study proper to
alleviate some unnecessary
baggage from the exegetical study
and to provide a proper focus
for the study.
Textual
Critical Note
The text of Psalm 127 is not problematic as it
relates to the Hebrew text. The
MT is substantiated by the
lacunae in regards to Psalm
127, but what is found agrees