Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 127:2

2 It is in vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late , to eat the bread of sorrows : for so he giveth his beloved sleep .

He directs his speech to the persons forementioned, the builders, or watchmen, of both which sorts there are many that use the following course.

To use constant and unwearied diligence from the very dawning of the day unto the dark night, that so you may accomplish your designs.

To eat the bread which you get by excessive and grievous pains.

To wit, by his blessing, which, though, not expressed, is sufficiently understood out of the former verse, where it is twice expressed. As therefore he saith it is in vain for them to build or watch, if God do not give his blessing and assistance, v. 1. so here he adds, that it is in vain to be diligent in their labours and callings, understand, without Gods blessing; for so, i. e. not singly by their industry, but by his blessing upon their labours. But the Hebrew word rendred so may be and is by others rendred when or whereas or since; by others, rightly or well, when it is convenient and needful for them; by others, as it is in our margent, certainly, the sleep which they have is undoubtedly from Gods blessing, without which all possible endeavours would never procure it.

The Lord, expressed in the former and in the following verses.

To wit, freely, without that immoderate toiling and drudgery wherewith others pursue it.

His people, who though hated and maligned by men, are beloved of God, over whom his providence watcheth in a special manner. In this expression he seems to allude to the name of Iedidiah, which was given to Solomon, and signifies the beloved of the Lord, 2 Sam. 12. 25.

A quiet rest both of body and mind, which many of those greedy worldlings cannot enjoy, as is observed Eccles. 5. 11.

Marginal references: Or, certainly. Zech. 11. 11.