Psalm 127:3-5 and the status of sons in ancient Israelite society : salient issues in contemporary African society

Abstract

The preference for male children is a distinctive feature of patriarchal societies. Psalms 127:3-5 celebrates the value of sons in ancient Israelite domestic structures. Sons were regarded as evidence of God’s blessings and great assets, because they grew to become defenders of their father, and their presence guaranteed the continuation of the family line. Hence, the absence of sons was usually a source of concern. With historical-critical analysis, this article studies Psalm 127:3-5 to ascertain the historical and cultural context in which the Psalm was written and how it relates to other texts. This article demonstrates how the pericope resonates in contemporary African society concerning preference for male children, large family size and other practices. Although the text is traditionally male-centred, a feminist biblical interpretation emphasises an inclusive interpretation on the premise of the value of both sons and daughters and the significant roles of women in contemporary societies.