A song of ascents. Of Solomon.*

1 Unless Yahweh builds a house,

its builders labor at it in vain.

Unless Yahweh guards a city,

a guard watches in vain.

2 It is in vain for you who rise early and sit late,

eating the bread of anxious toil,

when thus he* provides* for his beloved in his sleep.*

3 Look, children* are the heritage* of Yahweh;

the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

so are the children* of one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.*

They shall not be put to shame

when they speak with enemies at the gate.