PSALM 126 - Rejoicing in the LORD's Return of Zion's Captivity.
 
1. A Song of degrees.
This is one of the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), sung by Israelite pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the periodic feasts.
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,
we were like them that dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing:
then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion...
This psalm is thought to have been written following the decree of Cyrus, which allowed Israelites to return from their captivity in Babylon, to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Zion). Ezra 1:1-5
     That event was only a partial restoration, because most of the exiles chose not to return, and Israel remained under gentile dominion. This psalm also has a prophetic aspect, which anticipates the future return and restoration of Israel, in the Kingdom of the Messiah, when their hearts will also be turned to the LORD. Eze 36:16-38
...we were like them that dream.-
Their restoration was (and will be) almost too good to be true. When the day dawns, for which the nation has long prayed, it will come as a sudden reversal of their situation. (eg., Like the experience of Peter, who 'knew not that it was true' when the angel led him from prison; and like the astonishment of those who were praying for his release, when they opened the door and found him standing there. Acts 12:7-16)
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing...
This sounds like the unmitigated joy, which will accompany Israel's ultimate restoration. This is joy which cannot be contained, and is so wonderful that it is hardly expressable in words. When the tongue does find words, it cannot merely speak, but bursts forth with melody from the heart. Isa 52:9,10
     During the partial restoration, in the time of Ezra, joy and sorrow were mingled (Ezra 3:10-13).
Then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
During the partial restoration, under Ezra and Nehemiah, the surrounding nations did not rejoice for God's blessing of the Jews. Instead, they rose up in opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple and the city wall.
     However, in the Messianic Kingdom, the gentiles will know that the LORD has kept His promises and fulfilled His purposes for Israel (as shown in Ezekiel 36:16-38, cited above; also see Zech 8:22,23).
3 The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.
4. Turn again our captivity, O LORD,
as the streams in the south.
The LORD hath done great things for us...
Israel's blindness and unbelief will be lifted, and they, also, will know the LORD. Eze 39:22-29
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Verse 4 may be viewed as Israel's prayer, in anticipation of that future restoration. Or, it may be viewed as Israel's prayer, at the beginning the Messianic Kingdom, when they recognize and repent of their unfaithfulness to the LORD. Knowing the rebellious nature of their own hearts, they will ask the LORD to turn them to Himself with new hearts to serve Him perfectly. eg., Lam 5:21; Psa 80:3,7,19; Jer 31:17-19
     'The streams in the south {HB=negev}' are usually dry, for the negev is a desert region. When the rains do come to the area, the stream beds rapidly fill and overflow their banks, to refresh the parched vegetation.
     The people of Israel, realizing their spiritually parched condition, and recognizing that only the LORD can meet their need, will pray for His life giving Presence to overflow their thirsty hearts. Psa 63:1; Isa 32:1-4,15-20; Isa 33:20,21; 35:1-10
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy {ie., in triumphant song}.
Israel's tears of true repentance will result in a harvest of true joy.
     Ps 137:1; Isa 12:1-3; Jer 31:9-13; Mat 5:4; Gal 6:7,8; Isa 51:11
Likewise, those who prayerfully labor to proclaim God's Word, calling often unreceptive hearers to repentance and submission to the Truth, will rejoice in the harvest of souls at the end of the age.
     1Cor 15:58; 1Tim 2:1-4; 2The 3:1; Acts 20:31
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed...
Throughout this psalm, the pronouns have all been plural (we, our, them, us, they...). However, in this last verse, we are met with a singular 'He'. Surely, this is the promised Deliverer who will turn the captivity of Zion. Isa 11:1-5
...shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Following His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. When the time is right, He will come again to earth (Acts 1:10,11; 3:21).
     It is He for whom Israel waits (though, for the moment, most are in blindness). There will come a time, when Israel will recognize and turn to Him. That will be the "time of restitution" when He will "turn again the captivity of Zion." Isa 26:8,9; 31:4-9; Acts 3:18-26
     "His sheaves" are the true believers of prior generations, who the Lord will bring with Him at His second coming. The Seed that He planted, in His death and resurrection, will bring forth an abundant harvest. His sheaves are of His Seed. Having been born again through faith in God's Word, they are separate from unsaved 'religious' people. Mat 13:24-30,36-43; 1The 4:14; 1Pet 1:18-23
     That He will 'come again' is absolutely certain. Heb 10:37; Jam 5:7,8; Rev 22:20

This Concludes the study in Psalm 126.
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