Psalms 126

Psalms 126 expresses the overwhelming joy of Zion's return from captivity, an event so profound it felt like a dream, filling their mouths with laughter and song. Even the heathen acknowledged the Lord's great works for them. The psalm then shifts to a prayer for further restoration and concludes with the hopeful promise that those who sow in tears shall ultimately reap in joy, bringing in their harvest with rejoicing.

The psalm begins by reflecting on the miraculous return of Zion from captivity, an event so astonishing that the people felt as if they were dreaming. This divine intervention filled their hearts and mouths with laughter and songs of praise, a joy so evident that even surrounding nations recognized the Lord's mighty hand in their deliverance. The people themselves affirmed that the Lord had indeed done great things for them, for which they were exceedingly glad. Following this remembrance of past deliverance, the psalm transitions into a fervent prayer for a renewed and complete restoration, likened to the sudden gushing of streams in a dry southern land. It concludes with a profound spiritual principle, assuring that those who endure the sorrow of sowing in tears will ultimately experience the abundant joy of reaping a bountiful harvest, returning with their sheaves in triumph.

Psalms 126, a Song of Degrees, opens with a powerful recollection of the Lord's past intervention, specifically when He "turned again the captivity of Zion." This restoration was so unexpected and glorious that the people's initial reaction was one of disbelief, feeling "like them that dream." The profound joy of this deliverance manifested outwardly, as their "mouth was filled with laughter, and their tongue with singing." This visible exultation was so striking that even "they among the heathen" observed and declared, "The LORD hath done great things for them." The psalmist then echoes this sentiment, affirming, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." This initial section celebrates a past, miraculous act of divine deliverance and the overwhelming joy it brought. The psalm then shifts from remembrance to petition, expressing a longing for future restoration. The prayer, "Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south," indicates that while a return had occurred, there was still a desire for a more complete or ongoing deliverance, perhaps referring to a spiritual or continued physical restoration. This imagery evokes the sudden and life-giving appearance of water in arid regions. The final verses introduce a timeless spiritual principle, offering comfort and hope. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" presents a profound truth about perseverance through hardship. The psalmist elaborates, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." This metaphor assures that diligent effort and patient endurance through sorrow, likened to the arduous task of sowing, will inevitably lead to a joyful and abundant harvest, symbolizing divine reward and ultimate triumph. The psalm thus moves from past joy to future hope, grounded in God's faithfulness and the promise of ultimate recompense for suffering.