English Basic Explanation - Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Psalm 128 confers a brief but powerful blessing upon every "Yere Hashem" – God-fearing person – speaking of a number of rewards that he should earn for following the path commanded by the Almighty.

First, the Psalmist blesses the God-fearing man that he should "partake of the toil of your hands" (verse 2), meaning, that he should receive satisfaction from all his hard work and efforts.  One of the greatest blessings for which a person can hope is the sense of fulfillment that comes from seeing the fruits of his efforts, and the Psalmist thus declares to the individual who earns this privilege, "Fortunate are you, and good for you!"

Secondly, this Psalm blesses the righteous man that he should beget many children who will themselves beget children in his lifetime (verses 3,6).  The "Yere Hashem" is further blessed that he should be privileged to "behold the goodness of Jerusalem" (verse 5) and see the day when Israel will once and for all enjoy peace and security (verse 6).  The Radak deduces from these blessings that the Psalmist addresses the righteous men living in exile, and he prays that their devotion to God should be rewarded with the privilege of living to see Am Yisrael's redemption.  Thus, the "Yere Hashem" is blessed that he should not only enjoy personal joy and contentment, but also have the opportunity to celebrate the redemption and success of the entire Jewish people.

This should perhaps remind us not to focus our attention exclusively on our own goals and ambitions.  We should strive not only for personal contentment and happiness, but also for the realization of the centuries-old dream of "Shalom Al Yisrael," that our nation should finally be blessed with enduring peace, security and prosperity.