A song of ascents.

128:1 [cf. priestly blessing of Num. 6:24-26] Blessed are all who fear [reverence, respect, awe] the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

128:3 [God’s blessings extends from the workplace to the home] Your wife will be like a fruitful [a sign of divine favor] vine [bearing children and contributing to the overall welfare of the home] within your house [as compared to the promiscuous wife in Prov. 7:11]; your children will be like olive [the olive tree was a symbol of longevity and productivity] shoots [they will grow strong in time and also contribute to the welfare and well-being of the household; they will be a blessing to other generations] around your table.

128:4 Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.

128:5 May the Lord bless you from Zion [i.e., Jerusalem]; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem [the godly were concerned about the welfare of Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty] all the days of your life.

128:6 May you live to see your children’s children [old age was considered a sign of divine favor] — peace be on Israel [the people of God in the OT, regardless of where they live].