Psalm 126:5-6

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:5-6

Spiritual farming. Our Lord told the apostles that he would make them " fishers of men ." We may hear him telling us that he will make us farmers of men; for there is much to be done in the way of sowing and reaping in spiritual husbandry. I. THE SOIL OF THE HUMAN SOUL . That in which the sacred seed must be cast is the soul of man: not any one special part of it. Our appeal must be made to the entire nature-to the understanding , with all its powers of spiritual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed ; literally, going he goes and weeping ; i . e . weeping every step as he goes—"bearing the draught of seed," i . e . the seed which he has drawn forth from his bag, and is about to scatter on the earth. Thus it is that he "goes forth." How differently does he return! He shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him ; literally, coming he comes with a cry of joy , bearing with him his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:6

The rejoicing reaper. Consider— I. WHAT HE WAS FORMERLY . That is told us in the first half of the text. 1. He was one who went forth to sow . He went forth, he was an active worker. In spiritual husbandry this is what is needed. There are many who will talk, some who will pray, but not all these really go to the work. If only the much talk and many prayers could be as they ought to be, and will be if they are sincere, translated into work, active, strenuous work, what... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:6

The law of giving in order to gain. "Though he goeth on his way weeping, bearing forth the seed, he shall come again with joy, bringing the sheaves with him." Our Lord declared the same principle when he said, "He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that loseth his life for my sake shall save it unto life eternal." You can never secure any kind of harvest of anything, save by giving your seed-corn away. The miser keeps his gold, and he has what he keeps, and no more. "There is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy - Though the sowing of seed is a work of labor and sorrow - often a work so burdening the farmer that he weeps - yet the return - the harvest - is accompanied with rejoicing. The truth is expressed in a general form, as illustrating the idea that enterprises which are begun under many difficulties, and which require much labor, will be crowned with success, and that the joy is more than an equivalent for all the weariness and sorrow. Thus it is in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth - He that goes forth weeping - still an allusion to the farmer. He is seen moving slowly and sadly over the plowed ground, burdened with his task, an in tears.Bearing precious seed - Margin, “seed-basket.” Literally, “bearing the drawing out of seed;” perhaps the seed as drawn out of his bag; or, as scattered or sown regularly in furrows, so that it seems to be drawn out in regular lines over the fields.Shall doubtless come again - Shall come to this sown field... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 126:5-6

Psalms 126:5-6 . They that sow in tears shall reap in joy This seems to refer to the foregoing prayer; as if he had said, And this thou wilt do in thy good time: thou wilt give them, as thou hast given us, a joyful return after so sad a time of captivity. The argument is taken from the common course of God’s providence toward men of all nations, to whom he affords vicissitudes of sorrow and comfort, and particularly toward husbandmen, who till their land, and sow their seed, not only with... 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

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