Psalms 122, 125, 127, 128, and 134: In Vain

READING THE BOOK OF PSALMS

PART LXXIII

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Psalms 122, 125, 127, 128, and 134

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Psalms 122, 125, 127, 128, and 134 are similar to each other.  Jerusalem or the Temple feature prominently in most of these texts.  Obeying and trusting God–both communally and individually–is another connecting thread.  Active faith–both individual and collective–manifests partially in how we treat each other.

I could focus on any of a number of facets in these texts.  Indeed, as the leader of a lectionary discussion group, I have taken detailed notes on some of these psalms.  I know, for example, that in Psalm 122, the thrones of judgment either stood or stand in Jerusalem, depending on the translation one reads.  Comparing translations of one psalm can yield differences in verb tenses.  Differences in interpretations follow.  Yet, in this post, I opt to focus on a few lines from Psalm 127, as quoted in The Book of Common Prayer (1979):

It is in vain that your rise early and go to bed so late;

vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Years ago, before I deleted my Facebook account, I read Psalm that verse (Psalm 127:3) quoted on that social media platform.  Another used commented:

Says who?

I did not reply, but I could have written:

The author of Psalm 127.

This verse flows from the two preceding verses, which teach that building the house or watching over the city is in vain unless God builds and keeps watch.  In other words, God is in control.  The house in Psalm 127 is the home, by the way.

Anyway, we–both individually and collectively–can expend all the effort we can muster.  Yet if we do so in the delusion that we can accomplish anything of lasting value apart from God, we labor in vain.  We may build structures and stockpile money, for example, but is doing so of lasting significance?  These accomplishments will prove transitory, as in the myth of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), a story transformed into a Jewish commentary on the conquered Chaldean/Neo-Babylonian Empire after the Babylonian Exile.  Thus, in the words of Psalm 125:

Those who trust in the LORD

are like Mount Zion

that cannot be moved,

enduring forever.

–Verse 1, TANAKH:  The Holy Scriptures

And, as we read in Psalm 128, those who stand in awe of God will enjoy the fruits of their labors (verse 2).  Why not?  Those are labors consistent with what God builds.

Many monuments to human egos dot the landscape.  They may be architecturally impressive or aesthetically pleasing.  Some may even possess artistic merit and historic value.  I, as a student of history, like historic value and value it.  Yet monuments to God are more impressive.  So are deeds of justice and kindness.  They are never in vain.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

FEBRUARY 16, 2023 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF PHILIP MELANCHTHON, GERMAN LUTHERAN THEOLOGIAN AND SCRIBE OF THE REFORMATION

THE FEAST OF CHARLES TODD QUINTARD, EPISCOPAL BISHOP OF TENNESSEE

THE FEAST OF CHARLES FREDERICK MARTIN, SR., AND CHARLES AUGUSTUS ZOEBISCH, GERMAN-AMERICAN INSTRUMENT MAKERS

THE FEAST OF LOUIS (LEWIS) F. KAMPMANN, U.S. MORAVIAN MINISTER, MISSIONARY, AND HYMN TRANSLATOR

THE FEAST OF NICHOLAS KASATKIN, ORTHODOX BISHOP OF ALL JAPAN

THE FEAST OF PEDRO CASALDÁLIGA, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SÃO FÉLIX; “BISHOP TO THE POOR”

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