To build any ordinary house, or place of dwelling. 3. To have a numerous offspring. In this sense it is supposed to be spoken concerning the Egyptian midwives; that because they feared the Lord, therefore he built them houses. See the note on Exodus i. 21. But, however, the above passage may be interpreted, it is a fact that b ben, a son, and tb bath, a daughter, and tyb beith, a house, come from the same root hnb banah, to build; because sons and daughters build up a household, or constitute a family, as much and as really as stones and timber constitute a building.

Now it is true that unless the good hand of God be upon us we cannot prosperously build a plaee of worship for his name. Unless we have his blessing, a dwelling-house cannot be comfortably erected. And if his blessing be not on our children, the house (the family) may be built up, but instead of its being the house of God, it will be the synagogue of Satan. All marriages that are not under God's blessing will be a private and public curse. This we see every day.

Except the Lord keep the city ] When the returned Jews began to restore the walls of Jerusalem, and rebuild the city, Sanballat, Tobiah, and others formed plots to prevent it. Nehemiah, being informed of this, set up proper watches and guards. The enemy, finding this, gathered themselves together, and determined to fall upon them at once, and cut them all off.

Nehemiah, having gained intelligence of this also, armed his people, and placed them behind the wall. Sanballat and his company, finding that the Jews were prepared for resistance, abandoned their project; and Nehemiah, to prevent surprises of this kind, kept one-half of the people always under arms, while the other half was employed in the work. To this the psalmist alludes; and in effect says, Though you should watch constantly, guard every place, and keep on your armour ready to repel every attack, yet remember the success of all depends upon the presence and blessing of God. While, therefore, ye are not slothful in business, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; for there is no success either in spiritual or secular undertakings but in consequence of the benediction of the Almighty.

Matthew Henry Commentary

--Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs an business of a family we must depend upon his blessing. 1. For raising family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a city. Except the Lord kee the city, the watchmen, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break out, which even early discoveries may no be able to prevent. 3. For enriching a family. Some are so eager upo the world, that they are continually full of care, which makes their comforts bitter, and their lives a burden. All this is to get money but all in vain, except God prosper them: while those who love the Lord, using due diligence in their lawful callings, and casting all their care upon him, have needful success, without uneasiness of vexation. Our care must be to keep ourselves in the love of God; the we may be easy, whether we have little or much of this world. But we must use the proper means very diligently. Children are God's gifts, heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and no burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him. The are a great support and defence to a family. Children who are young may be directed aright to the mark, God's glory, and the service of their generation; but when they are gone into the world, they ar arrows out of the hand, it is too late to direct them then. But thes arrows in the hand too often prove arrows in the heart, a grief to godly parents. Yet, if trained according to God's word, they generall prove the best defence in declining years, remembering their obligations to their parents, and taking care of them in old age. All earthly comforts are uncertain, but the Lord will assuredly comfort an bless those who serve him; and those who seek the conversion of sinners, will find that their spiritual children are their joy an crown in the day of Jesus Christ __________________________________________________________________

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