Psalm 126:1-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 126:1-3

While the people of Israel were captives in Babylon their harps were hung upon the willow-trees, for then God called to weeping and mourning, then he mourned unto them and they lamented; but now that their captivity is turned they resume their harps; Providence pipes to them, and they dance. Thus must we accommodate ourselves to all the dispensations of Providence and be suitably affected with them. And the harps are never more melodiously tunable than after such a melancholy disuse. The long... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 126:4-6

These verses look forward to the mercies that were yet wanted. Those that had come out of captivity were still in distress, even in their own land (Neh. 1:3), and many yet remained in Babylon; and therefore they rejoiced with trembling, and bore upon their hearts the grievances that were yet to be redressed. We have here, 1. A prayer for the perfecting of their deliverance (Ps. 126:4): ?Turn again our captivity. Let those that have returned to their own land be eased of the burdens which they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:1

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion ,.... Or returned the Jews from their captivity in Babylon; who are called Zion, from the city of David, built on Mount Zion, which was in Judea, and adjoined to Jerusalem, the metropolis of the kingdom; and because they were the godly who were concerned for Zion in a spiritual sense, or the church of God, and the interest of religion, whose spirits the Lord stirred up to come out of Babylon, upon the proclamation by Cyrus, when those that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter ,.... Who before mourned, and hung their harps on the willows, and could not sing the Lord's song in a strange land; but now, as their hearts were filled, with joy, this was externally and visibly seen in their countenances, and expressed with their mouths and by outward gestures; it was so great, they could not contain it, to which respect is had, Isaiah 35:10 . It may be rendered, "then shall our mouth be filled with laughter" F17 ימלא ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:3

The Lord hath done great things for us ,.... These words are generally supposed to be the words of the Jews, taking up those of the Gentiles, and confirming them; acknowledging that the Lord had done great things for them indeed; which, had they not owned, they would have been exceeding ungrateful; had they been silent concerning them, the stones would have cried out, and the very Heathens condemned them. But I see not why they may not be thought to be the words of those among the Heathens... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:4

Turn again our captivity, O Lord ,.... This prayer for the return of the captivity shows that it was not as yet: though some think that this is a petition of those that were returned from captivity, for those of their brethren that stayed behind; who, enjoying the sweets of their liberty, pray for their brethren to come and share with them, that so the mercy and blessing might be completed. This may very well be considered as a petition; either for the coming of the Redeemer, and redemption... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. A proverbial expression, encouraging faith in prayer put up for the return of the captivity, whether in a literal or spiritual sense. Praying or seeking the Lord is sowing in righteousness, Hosea 10:12 ; which is often attended with tears and weeping; the issue of them is not always seen soon: these, like seed, lie buried under the clods, but take effect and will rise up in due time: saints should wait patiently for a return of them, as the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed ,.... Which he sows in tears. This is but a repetition and confirmation of what is before expressed in different words; and may be applied, as to a praying saint, so to a faithful preacher of the word. The word is the precious seed which he bears, which he takes out of the granaries of the Scriptures; and carries from place to place, and scatters and sows, Luke 8:11 ; compared to seed, because of its meanness in the eyes of those that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:1

When the Lord turned again the captivity - When Cyrus published his decree in favor of the Jews, giving them liberty to return to their own land, and rebuild their city and temple. We were like them that dream - The news was so unexpected that we doubted for a time the truth of it. We believed it was too good news to be true, and thought ourselves in a dream or illusion. When the Romans had vanquished Philip, king of Macedon, they restored liberty to the Grecian cities by proclamation.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:2

Then upas our mouth filled with laughter - The same effect as was produced on the poor liberated Grecians mentioned above. Then said they among the heathen - The liberty now granted was brought about in so extraordinary a way, that the very heathens saw that the hand of the great Jehovah must have been in it. read more

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