Psalms126
English Standard Version
1A of . When the Lord the of , we were like those who .
2 our was with , and our with shouts of ; they , The Lord has .
3The Lord has us; we are .
4 our , O Lord, like in the !
5Those who in shall with shouts of !
6He who , the for , with shouts of , his with him.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 126.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Those returned out of captivity are to be thankful. (1–3). Those yet in captivity are encouraged. (4–6).
vv1-3
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.
vv4-6
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.
Key Words
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
מַעֲלָה: elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station); specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms)
שׁוּב: to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again
שִׁיבָה: a return (of property)
צִיּוֹן: Tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of Jerusalem
חָלַם: properly, to bind firmly, i.e. (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream
אָז: at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
פֶּה: the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to
מָלֵא: to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
שְׂחוֹק: laughter (in merriment or defiance)
Cross References
Psalms 126Jacob's heart fainted because he believed them not; parallels being like them that dream.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Peter wist not that it was true, but thought he saw a vision or dreamed.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Sowing to the Spirit in tears of godly sorrow yields a joyful harvest of everlasting life.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The disciples believed not the resurrection news for sheer astonishment, seeming like idle tales.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prayer to 'turn us, O God of our salvation' parallels 'turn again our captivity'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
They shall come with weeping, but God will turn their mourning into joy.
Supported by JFB
Blessed are those who mourn (sow in tears) for they shall be comforted (reap in joy).
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical fulfillment of joy during the rebuilding, despite the initial weeping of elders.
Supported by JFB