Psalms 126 DBY
Summary: A Song of Ascents celebrating a moment of national restoration, opening "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream" (v. 1), remembered as a time of such joy that even the surrounding nations remarked on it. It contains one of the Psalter's most quoted images of hope amid hardship: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (v. 5-6). It also prays for a further, still-needed restoration, comparing it to streams returning to the dry "south" (Negev).
1A Song of degrees. When Jehovah turned the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing: then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.
3Jehovah hath done great things for us; [and] we are joyful.
4Turn our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the south.
5They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:
6He goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for scattering; he cometh again with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves.
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