Psalms 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of^[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed.^[b]

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,^[c]LORD, like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

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Psalms 126 Commentary

Chapter 126

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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

Cross References 12

1. Ezra 1:1-3; Psalms 85:1; Hosea 6:11
2. S Genesis 21:6
3. S Job 8:21; Psalms 51:14; S Psalms 65:8
4. S Deuteronomy 10:21; Psalms 71:19; Luke 1:49
5. Psalms 106:21; Joel 2:21,26
6. S Psalms 9:2; Psalms 16:11; Isaiah 25:9
7. S Deuteronomy 30:3
8. S Psalms 107:35; Isaiah 35:6; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 51:3
9. Psalms 6:6; Psalms 80:5; Jeremiah 50:4
10. Galatians 6:9
11. Psalms 16:11; Psalms 20:5; Psalms 23:6; Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 51:11; Isaiah 60:15; Isaiah 61:7; Jer 31:6-7,12
12. S Numbers 25:6; S Psalms 30:5

Footnotes 3

[a]. Or Lord"brought back the captives to"
[b]. Or "those restored to health"
[c]. Or "Bring back our captives"

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 126

\\<>\\. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by Ezra, or some good man returned from the Babylonish captivity, and on account of it: the inscription in the Syriac version of it, besides observing it to be a song of degrees or ascents, and without a name, is, ``it is said of Haggai and Zechariah, who came up out of Babylon with the captives; but spiritually; and it is an expectation of good things to come.'' It may have respect to redemption by the Messiah; and the conversion of the Jews in the latter day.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible