(5) Joy.—Rather, singing, as in Psalms 126:2. The harvest-home songs are contrasted with the anxiety of the seed-time. Probably the poet found the proverbial saying already current, but he has touched it with the consecrating hand till it has become only less precious than the saying of Divine lips, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” read more
Sowing in Tears Psalms 126:5 The words of the text are an inspired proverb. They are found today in all literatures, and they bear a twofold meaning: (1) that patient, enduring toil shall sooner or later have its reward; (2) that vicarious suffering lies at the root of all advancement in social, national, and religious life. I. See how the principle which is embedded in the text is found everywhere in nature. Death lies between sowing and reaping. There is not a blade of grass in our fields,... read more
Psalms 126:1-6As in Psalms 85:1-13, the poet’s point of view here is in the midst of a partial restoration of Israel. In Psalms 126:1-3 he rejoices over its happy beginning, while in Psalms 126:4-6 he prays for and confidently expects its triumphant completion. Manifestly the circumstances fit the period to which most of these pilgrim psalms are to be referred-namely, the dawn of the restoration from Babylon. Here the pressure of the difficulties and hostility which the returning exiles met is... read more
Psalm 120-134 The Psalms of Degrees Fifteen brief Psalms follow, called songs of degrees, or, ascents. They were in all probability used by Israel going up to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the feasts of the Lord--”Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, a testimony for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.” They are indeed Psalms of “the goings-up” for we rise higher and higher as we read through them. Prophetically they give us again the steps from trial and... read more
This group is differentiated by the title attached to each: “A Song of Degrees” or “A Song of Ascents.” The title seems derived from the going up of the people to Jerusalem at the great festivals which came three times a year. (Compare Deuteronomy 16:16 ; 1 Kings 12:27-28 , etc.); the thought being that they chanted the psalms at different stages in their journey. The pertinency of this application of these psalms is more apparent in some than others. For example, Psalms 121:0 represents the... read more
These are sweet and general truths, which are not limited to the history of this event of the Church, but may be applied to the Church of God in all ages. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted, Matthew 5:4 . And most unquestionably that grace which induceth sorrow for sin, will bring forth joy in the view of Christ's righteousness. Jeremiah 31:9 ; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 . read more
Desire. Who has as many children as he could wish. Hebrew, "his quiver." They are like arrows for his defence. (Calmet) --- The Septuagint may have put the thing signified instead of the figure; or ashpatho may not be confined to the formal sense. --- He shall. Hebrew, "they," father and son: yet the Chaldean, &c., retain he. --- The children of Christ, and of his martyrs, who have been persecuted, are declared to be very powerful protectors; (Berthier) while such as imitate them,... read more
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... read more
Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy. A song of degrees, admonishing the believers to praise the Lord for the many evidences of His favor and to pray for its continued manifestation. v. 1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, restoring His people to the Land of Promise after the long years of exile, we were like them that dream. Whether this is a prophecy or a statement of historical fact, it sets forth the indescribable bliss of those who were privileged to return to the Land of... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:1-6
A song of those who have been redeemed (from exile), and a hopeful prayer for those who have not yet returned.1. Turned again the captivity of Zion] either, brought back the exiles who returned to Zion, or, turned again the fortunes of Zion, i.e. perhaps, set her free from foreign yoke.4. Turn again our captivity] perhaps, ’bring back the exiles.’ As the streams in the south] i.e. like the hill streams in the arid S. land of Judah (the Negeb), dry for a time in summer but becoming suddenly... read more