Psalm 128

Psalm 128 is the 128th psalm from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It is one of 15 psalms that begins with the words "A song of ascents" (Shir Hama'alot).

Scroll of the Psalms

Uses

Judaism

• Is recited following Mincha between Sukkot and Shabbat Hagadol.^[1]
• Is recited prior to Aleinu during Motzei Shabbat Maariv.^[2]
• Is recited among the prayers of the Bedtime Shema.^[3]
• Verse 2 if found in Pirkei Avot Chapter 4, no. 1^[4] and Chapter 6, no. 4.^[5]

Catholicism

Traditionally, this psalm was executed, since the Middle Ages, when the Office of none from Tuesday until Saturday, according to the Rule of St. Benedict (530).^[6]

In the liturgy of the current Mass, Psalm 128 is the feast of the Holy Family, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time of the year A6 and the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time of the year B. It is also the traditional psalm for wedding masses (missa pro votiva sponso and sponsa).

Music

This psalm was used by Michel-Richard Delalande in 1698 to compose a grand motet which was played in the royal chapel of Versailles to celebrate the offices.

References