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Pilgrim Feast Songs. By Solomon. 8:15
Context: Before David’s death, he charges Solomon concerning God, life, and goals. (1 Chr 22:6-19)
Context: Psalm of Ascent 8:15. Historically, sung by travelers ascending up to Jerusalem [City of peace] during the three pilgrim feasts of Ex 23:15-17: Passover, Shavout / Pentacost, and Tabernacles. Sung by the Levites [Descendants of United with] at the Feast of Tabernacles during the water drawing ceremony.
1 Unless Adonai builds the house,
they labor in vain who build it.
Unless Adonai watches over the city,
the watchman guards it in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
to stay up late,
eating the bread of toil;
for he gives sleep to his yadid ·beloved· ones.
3 Behold, children are a heritage of Adonai .
The fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,
so are the children of youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.