During wedding ceremonies and family functions, this psalm is read. (Psalm 128)
Fear the Lord: All who fear the Lord will be blessed. Joy, gladness, and happiness do not belong to the rich, the powerful, and the prosperous, but to those who fear the Lord. This blessing is available to everyone irrespective of their caste, color, class, race, education, etc. Those who fear the Lord also walk in His ways. (Psalm 128:1) The blessing is described with two metaphors, indicating wife and children. As vine and olive are the two best fruits, also symbols of abundant spiritual life, they are God’s blessing for a Blessed man. (Psalm 128:2-3)
Labor is blessed: Blessed man will eat the labor of his hands, and will be happy. The fruit of labor is not emptiness or vain. Those who diligently work will enjoy the sweetness that comes out of the sweat of the brow or brain.
Table fellowship: The family gathers around the table. The blessed husband, blessed wife, and beloved children. They celebrate God’s goodness, offer praises and worship, read the Bible, and eat together in fellowship.
Fruitful vine: The wife of a blessed man is like a fruitful vine. She is described as the wine of life, which is love and beauty. Bearing children is the idea of the fruitful vine. But, even if they do not bear children, they bear fruits of kindness, love, hospitality, help, affection, nurture, care, and comfort. They are like the wine of consolation and comfort. Joseph is described as a fruitful vine. (Genesis 49:22) He was well-watered, and stretching over the wall. The well is the source of constant fellowship with the Lord. Wall indicates that he was influential beyond boundaries. A blessed man’s wife is like Joseph in giving fruit.
Olive trees: It takes forty years for an olive tree to bear fruit. Hence, it is a symbol of longevity and productivity. Children of the household of faith are those who will bear fruit in season.
Is my family a garden with vine and olive trees?