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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 126:5

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy - This is either a maxim which they gather from their own history, or it is a fact which they are now witnessing. We see the benefit of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God; we have now a sweet return for our bitter tears. Or, We have sown in tears; now we reap in joy. We are restored after a long and afflicting captivity to our own country, to peace, and to happiness. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:5

Verse 5 5.They who sow in tears shall reap in joy. This sentence, in my opinion, ought not less to be extended to the future than understood of the past. The carrying away of the Jews into Babylon was to them as a seed-time; (94) God having, by the prophecy of Jeremiah, encouraged them to hope for the harvest. Still, it was not without very great heaviness and anguish of heart that they were dragged into such long continued captivity. It was, as if in the time of dearth the poor husbandman, who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:1-6

Like them that dream. I. THE DREAM . It was a delightful one. 1. There are many of quite another kind— dreams full of trouble, terror, and distress. Many such are recorded in Scripture ( Genesis 40:1-23 .; Daniel 2:1-49 .; Job 7:14 ; Matthew 27:19 ). 2. But this was full of joy and rapture . So unexpected, so wonderful, was Israel's redemption from exile. They could hardly realize how blessed they were. For it was a reality, not a dream. More often the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:1-6

The history of a soul. That which was written of and for the returned exiles of Judah lends itself so accurately and beautifully to describe the history of a redeemed soul, that it seems as if that larger and higher history were meant as well as that of Judah. The same words tell of both. I. THE SOUL WAS ONCE A CAPTIVE . Not alone the people of Zion, but every redeemed soul. It was captive once: 1. To the Law of God . That Law which was holy, just, and good, the Law... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy . Then we, who are now "sowing in tears" ( Ezra 3:12 , Ezra 3:13 ; Neb. Ezra 1:4 ), re-establishing Israel in its own land amid grief and pain and distress, shall "reap in joy," see the fruit of our exertions, and rejoice thereat. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:5

Sad sowing-times. Thomson says, "I never saw people sowing in tears exactly, but I have often known them to do it in fear and distress sufficient to draw them from any eye. In seasons of great scarcity, the poor peasants part in sorrow with every measure of precious seed cast into the ground. It is like taking bread out of the mouths of their children, and in such times many bitter tears are actually shed over it" Compare the tears at the laying of the foundation of the second temple ( ... read more

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