Psalms — Chapter 126

NISI DOMINUS AEDIFICAVERIT DOMUM. Lapide: Psalm 126 — "Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." The absolute dependence of all human endeavor on divine assistance. Lapide: the "house" = (1) the Temple of Jerusalem; (2) the Church; (3) the individual soul; (4) the family and social institutions. Without God at the foundation, all human construction is futile. "Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam" — Unless God guards the city, the watchman watches in vain. Lapide: the political theology of dependence on divine Providence.