This is a family-psalm, as divers before were state-poems and church-poems. It is entitled (as we read it) “for Solomon,” dedicated to him by his father.

Dependence on Providence; God the Giver of Prosperity. A song of degrees for Solomon. 1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.