Psalm 126:1-130:8 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:1-6

Alternations and contrasts in the experiences of life. "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream." I. SOME CHANGES SEEM MORE LIKE DREAMS THAN REALITIES . Seem too good or too bad to be true. 1. When they come suddenly . It takes time to adjust ourselves to them as facts and not fictions. And to realize the consequences they bring with them. 2. When they bring or promise more than we ever expected . We sing and laugh... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 126:1

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion - Margin, as in Hebrew, “returned the returning of Zion.” The Hebrew word which is rendered in the text captivity means properly return; and then, those returning. The ancient versions render it captivity. The reference clearly is to those who were returning to Zion, and the psalmist fixes his eye on them as returning, and immediately says that it was the Lord who had thus restored them. The whole was to be traced to God.We were like them that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 126:1

Psalms 126:1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land; we were like them that dream We were so surprised and astonished at the report of such a favour, and especially when the proclamation went forth, to give us liberty to return to our own country, after so long a captivity, we could scarcely believe our own eyes or ears, but were ready to think it to be but a dream, or illusion of our own fancies. “A restoration... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:1-6

Psalms 125-128 Lessons from JerusalemAs the worshippers journey towards Jerusalem, they recall some of the varied experiences that the city has passed through. They see these as typical of the experiences of God’s people as a whole. Believers are like Jerusalem in that they are completely secure and fully protected (125:1-2). Although Jerusalem sometimes came under the rule of its enemies, God never allowed these enemies to control it for long, in case God’s people lost their devotion to him... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 126:1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . turned. the captivity = turned the fortunes. This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing. See Job 42:10 and Ezekiel 16:53 and Ezekiel 16:56 , where it is three times explained as "return to your former estate". See App-67 . Zion. See App-68 . like them that dream. The reference is to the waking in 2 Kings 19:35 .Isaiah 37:36 . The illustration is in Luke 24:41 .Acts 12:9 (603 B.C.) read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 126:1

PSALM 126WHEN THE LORD RESTORED THE FORTUNES OF ZION (RSV)For the title here we have selected the opening line of the RSV. There is nothing in the psalm that can be applied exclusively to the return of Israel from the captivity; but, at the same time, there is nothing to exclude that example of God's restoring the fortunes of Israel.Delitzsch declared that, "Any other rendering than that of the LXX in these opening lines is impossible."[1] That rendition is, "When the Lord turned the captivity... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 126:1

Psalms 126:0. The church, celebrating her incredible return out of captivity, prayeth for, and prophesieth the good success thereof. A Song of Degrees. Title. המעלות שׁיר Shiir hammangaloth.] This psalm is generally allowed to have been composed by Ezra, upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity. Mr. Mudge conjectures from the 4th verse, that it was written just at the juncture of the restoration, before it was fully completed. Psalms 126:1. When the Lord, &c.— That is,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 126:1

1-3. When the Lord, c.—The joy of those returned from Babylon was ecstatic, and elicited the admiration even of the heathen, as illustrating God's great power and goodness. turned again the captivity—that is, restored from it (Job 39:12 Psalms 14:7; Proverbs 12:14). HENGSTENBERG translates: "When the Lord turned Himself to the turning of Zion" (see Margin), God returns to His people when they return to Him (Deuteronomy 30:2; Deuteronomy 30:3). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 126:1-3

1. Praise for the return 126:1-3The psalmist recalled initial impressions following return to the land, which God had effected. The returned captives felt as though they were only dreaming that they were back in their homeland. They evidently did not expect to see it. They were happy and praised God for His goodness to them as they spoke with non-Israelites. read more