Psalms 128:6
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וּרְאֵֽה
Yea thou shalt see
H7200
וּרְאֵֽה
Yea thou shalt see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לְבָנֶ֑יךָ
children
H1121
לְבָנֶ֑יךָ
children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְבָנֶ֑יךָ
children
H1121
לְבָנֶ֑יךָ
children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם
and peace
H7965
שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם
and peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
4 of 6
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Job 42:16After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.Genesis 50:23And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.Psalms 125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.Isaiah 66:12For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.Proverbs 17:6Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Historical Context
In ancient culture, grandchildren represented success in fulfilling the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28) and covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; 15:5). Seeing multiple generations meant one's line would continue and covenant identity would be preserved. The connection to Israel's peace reflects how individual families flourished best in stable, peaceful national context.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is seeing 'children's children' considered such significant blessing?
- How does the emphasis on generations encourage long-term, sustained faithfulness rather than short-term gain?
- What is the relationship between personal longevity (seeing grandchildren) and national peace?
- How does this ending challenge modern individualism that disconnects personal life from community welfare?
- In what ways do Christians experience multi-generational blessing and participate in the peace of God's people?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with multi-generational blessing: 'Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.' The word 'yea' adds emphasis, building on verse 5. The phrase 'see thy children's children' promises longevity and generational continuity - living long enough to know grandchildren was considered great blessing (Genesis 50:23; Job 42:16; Proverbs 17:6). This extends the family imagery (v. 3) across multiple generations, demonstrating covenant continuity. Children's children mean legacy, memory, and covenant promises extending forward. The final phrase 'peace upon Israel' concludes with corporate blessing - shalom (peace, wholeness, flourishing) resting on the entire covenant community. Personal blessing (seeing grandchildren) and national blessing (peace on Israel) are held together. The psalm ends with vision of multi-generational family and peaceful nation - comprehensive well-being flowing from fearing the LORD.