Psalms 126

Psalms 126:1-6

“ The Lord Hath Done Great Things for Us” Psalms 126:1-6; Psalms 127:1-5 The circumstances under which this psalm was written are evident upon its face. The exiles, lately back from Babylon, are rejoicing in the gladness of their return. But their joy was not complete so long as the larger portion of their nation were still in bondage. The metaphor of streams in the South is derived from the rapidity with which dry water-courses become flushed with torrent streams. The returned exiles longed to see the vacant solitudes of their land suddenly filled with returning crowds. They asked that their tears might be the seeds of mighty harvests. Let not the Christian worker count as lost the seeds he sows or the tears in which he steeps them. That doubtless is God’ s guarantee. Psalms 127:1-5 This psalm was probably suggested by Ezra’ s efforts to rebuild the Temple. We cannot succeed apart from God, but must be His fellow-workers. See Proverbs 10:22. The bread of trouble is that which is hardly obtained, where labor is severe, and the results slow. Beware of needless anxiety. As builders, Psalms 127:1, look to God for plan, materials, and co-operation. As watchers, Psalms 127:1, commit all keeping to God’ s watch and ward. As toilers, Psalms 127:2, have a little more quiet rest and ease of mind. As parents, Psalms 127:3-5, do not shrink from parental responsibilities; when you are old, your children will answer for you.

The captivity turned The circumstances in which this Psalm was written are evident upon its face. The exiles were still rejoicing with the new ecstasy of deliverance from captivity, and were extremely anxious as to their future. The first three verses express their joy; the fourth is a prayer for complete deliverance.

Psalms 126:1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion A partial fulfilment of Isa 52:8. There are times when the soul seems to dwell in a captivity which hinders both its joy and its free devotion. And then suddenly and unexpectedly the captivity is turned. The soul is restored and is as in times past. It is the Lord’s doing and we are as in a blessed dream (Acts 12:9).

Psalms 126:2. Our mouth was filled with laughter God loves the singing and laughter of his saints. Trust and wait! The memory of your present anguish shall be soon forgotten in tumults of joy (Job 8:21). What a contrast to Psalms 137:1-9!

Psalms 126:3. The Lord hath done great things! (Joe 2:21).

Psalms 126:4. Turn again our captivity Much had been done for the exiles. But a large portion of the nation was still in bondage and heavy disabilities remained on those who had returned. When God has done much for us, we may venture to ask more. The metaphor of “streams in the south” is derived from the rapidity with which, after the heavy rains, the dry watercourses become flushed with torrent streams. Would that to our hearts and churches might come abundant life, as when the snows melt in the springtime and flush the brooks!

Psalms 126:5-6. Sow in tears: reap in joy The sowing and reaping are figurative expressions for the commencement of undertakings and their results. Often the farmer who sows in anxiety is agreeably disappointed with the harvest. And this is invariably the case with the children of God. They are often in pain and sorrow. But when these are undergone for righteousness’ sake, they must be followed by a harvest of joy, which shall be a hundredfold compensation (Matthew 19:29; Luke 6:21). Let the Christian worker not count as lost the seeds he sows or the tears in which he steeps them. But let all such rest on that word doubtless, which is God’s guarantee. Precious tears! Precious seed! Precious reward! (compare Jeremiah 31:9-12).