USB ~ Psalms 126

The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes

1 A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, a we thought we were dreaming.

2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. b Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were!

4 Restore our captives, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.†

5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. c

6 Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.

Footnotes

†. Psalm 126 A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1-3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5-6).

†. 126:4 Like the dry stream beds of the Negeb: the psalmist prays for rain in such abundance that the dry riverbeds will run.

126:1 Ps 14:7.
126:2 Jb 8:21.
126:5 Bar 4:23; Is 65:19.