translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: PSA

label: NET study note

text: . In this wisdom psalm the psalmist teaches that one does not find security by one’s own efforts, for God alone gives stability and security.


text: The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134 , is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.


text: The expression build a house may have a double meaning here. It may refer on the surface level to a literal physical structure in which a family lives, but at a deeper, metaphorical level it refers to building, perpetuating, and maintaining a family line. See Deut 25:9 ; Ruth 4:11 ; 1 Sam 2:35 ; 2 Sam 7:27 ; 1 Kgs 11:38 ; 1 Chr 17:10, 25 . Having a family line provided security in ancient Israel.