Psalms – Chapter 126

Old Testament • 5 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he…" — so begins Psalms 126. Solomon stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 5 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God feeding His people. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

2It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,

3Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.

4As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.

5Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.

Important Verses in Psalms 126

“A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.”

Psalms 126:1

“Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate. ”

Psalms 126:5

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 126 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 5 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Solomon, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep…" The chapter ends with: "Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies…" In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 854). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • ✓God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.

People in This Chapter

Solomon1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 126, containing 5 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 958). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 126 about?

Psalms 126 contains 5 verses. It opens with "A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep…" and closes with "Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 126?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 126?

This chapter mentions Solomon.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 12Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 2Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 5Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏Prayer Before Communion🙏Spiritual Communion

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