Psalm 128...

Psalm 128...

Happy [Blessed] are those who ·respect [fear] the Lord  [Prov. 1:7] and ·obey him [L walk in his ways]. 

You will ·enjoy what you work for [L eat the labor of your hands], and you will be ·blessed [happy] with ·good things [prosperity] . 

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine [C produce many children] in your house [Prov. 31:10–31]. 

Your children will be like olive branches [C bringing much good] around your table [Mic. 4:4; Zech. 3:10] . 

This is how the man who ·respects [fears] the Lord  [Prov. 1:7] will be blessed. 

May the Lord bless you from Mount Zion [C the location of the Temple]; may you ·enjoy [experience; L see] the ·good things [prosperity] of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 

May you see your grandchildren. Let there be peace in Israel.

Psalm 128:1-6 Expanded Bible..

I am away from home this weekend, attending a birthday celebration for a dear friend...

This psalm stood out this am as I read the Word...this version is from the expanded Bible...adding descriptions and more  cross references in places...

This describes this family and as I sat with down to a wonderful Basque dinner last night watching the interaction, the smiles, the love...I saw the blessings this passage describes so richly...

Oh, they have not been without their trials, tears, and testings...but have risen from each more deeply embedded into the hand of their Lord...serving more widely and deeply, blessing all those around them... 

Thank YOU for the friendships You bring our way...the blessings of a life well lived exhibited in the people they touch along their paths...