1. If the Lord hadn't built this temple, the builders would have wasted their efforts. If the Lord had not kept watch over the city, the watchman would have watched in vain.
This section expresses trust and awe in God. No matter how hard people try to build houses or guard cities, it will be in vain if God is not in charge of everything. This expresses the importance and praise of God in human life.
2. You get up early in the morning, rest at night and eat hard-won meals, all in vain; Only those whom the Lord loves will give him rest.
This section warns people not to be in vain, and only those who are loved by God can get a stable sleep. Although there are many trivial things in life that we need to deal with, only when we are loved by God can we really get inner peace and tranquility.
3. Children are the industries given by the Lord; The uterus is his gift.
This section emphasizes the relationship between God and human beings. Children are God's legacy and gift. This reflects God's care and generosity to mankind and reminds us to cherish and be grateful for the life and family God has given us.
Teenagers are like arrows in the hands of soldiers.
This section compares children born in adolescence with arrows. Arrows are sharp weapons in the hands of soldiers, which can be used to attack enemies and defend their homes. The metaphor here is that young people are the future of the country and family. They have unlimited possibilities and potential and should be regarded as valuable wealth and resources.
The development of history
It took hundreds of years to write a collection of poems. When did the earliest data come from and when was there no exact textual research? It is generally believed that its early germination appeared in the era of unified kingdom, and most of its works were formed in the period of division, some after being exiled, and some later. For example, 137 obviously belongs to the elegy after being brought to Babylon, while 126 reflects the joy of the return period.
During this period, some of them were first compiled into several smaller poems, which were screened, merged and revised many times, and finally formed the final version in the 2nd century BC. This book occupies an important position in synagogue worship. In the process of writing books, they are constantly enriched and perfected for the needs of sacrificial activities, and then read aloud in various religious ceremonies, among which the excellent ones become traditional articles collected and applied in temples.
After the national subjugation, temples were destroyed, and these poems were read in synagogues or believers' homes, which have always been related to sacrificial ceremonies. This collection of poems embodies the main achievements of Hebrew lyric poetry and shows the Hebrew life scene and spiritual world in many ways. It is a valuable material for studying Hebrew literature, art, history, religion and folk customs.