Psalms Chapter 126 A Song of Ascents.
1 When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said amongst the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes again, LORD, like the streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.
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Psalms Chapter 126 A Song of Ascents. Guide
The general movement of these songs of Ascents is preserved in this case by the marginal reading of the first verse, better than by the text as it stands in the R.V. "When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion." The pilgrims have looked back and praised Jehovah for escape. They have looked on, and praised Him for their hope and present sense of security. Now they break forth into an expression of their glad experience.
It is all so wonderful this restoration by Jehovah, that it is hardly believable, it is as though they dreamed. Laughter and singing are the only fitting expressions of their rejoicing hearts. Even the nations are compelled to recognise the doings of Jehovah on their behalf. Yet in the consciousness of the wonders wrought by Jehovah is created a keen sense of their own imperfection. The deliverance is not yet complete, and the prayer is offered, "Turn again our captivity," of as Dr. Kirkpatrick translates, "Restore our fortunes." The restoration already in progress is the inspiration of the prayer for its fulfilment. The song ends with a declaration of confidence that the sorrowful experiences of the past must issue in the realisation of all that they so earnestly desire.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 126 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Those returned out of captivity are to be thankful. -- (1-3)
- Those yet in captivity are encouraged. -- (4-6)
Verses 1-3
It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, from the power of sin and of Satan, to be valued! The sinner convinced of his guilt and danger, when by looking to a crucified Saviour he receives peace to his conscience, and power to break off his sins, often can scarcely believe that the prospect which opens to him is a reality.
Verses 4-6
The beginnings of mercies encourage us to pray for the completion of them. And while we are in this world there will be matter for prayer, even when we are most furnished with matter for praise. Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed. Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be for ever comforted. When we mourn for our sins, or suffer for Christ's sake, we are sowing in tears, to reap in joy. And remember that God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth that shall he reap, Ga 6:7-9. Here, O disciple of Jesus, behold an emblem of thy present labour and future reward; the day is coming when thou shalt reap in joy, plentiful shall be thy harvest, and great shall be thy joy in the Lord.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.