S – Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward. ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. ⁵ Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. 

They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate. 

Psalm 127:3-5 CSB

O – Commentary:

Children, the psalmist wrote, are some of the Lord’s providential blessings (see blessed, v. 5). They are a reward from the Lord. Sons help defend the family for they are like weapons (arrows) in the hands of a mighty man. Sons are capable of defending the family in civil cases (at the gate civil cases were discussed and decided).

The imagery of arrows and of defense “in the gate” was natural for a nation endangered from without and within.

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 885.

A – Children are a gift from God.  In Bible times, there was a practical application in tending to the family land and tasks.  More importantly, God designated the family unit as the core of relationships that are for a lifetime.  As we pour into the next generation, they take the family unit to the next steps of growth individually and as a whole.  We should be attentive and committed to growing our families to know and live for God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our God and Father.  Thank you for the gift of family.  Empower us today to honor those relationships with love.  Our different gifts, talents and personalities make us a stronger, more complete family unit.