Psalm 126

Introduction.—Many commentators believe Ps. 126 celebrates the return from Babylonian captivity (see Ezra 1). Others think that the expression “turned again the captivity” is not in itself sufficient to fix upon any specific crisis, inasmuch as the words may metaphorically describe a general return of prosperity. The argument is not conclusive. Whatever the captivity, release from it brought exuberant joy. The experience seemed almost too good to be true. The second part of the psalm (vs. 4–6) seems to introduce a note of sadness. It would appear that either the people had again become entangled and were requesting their freedom once more, or were asking, after a return to their land, for full restoration to their former status.

On the superscription see Introduction to Ps. 120; also pp. 625, 627.

1. Turned again. See Introduction to Ps. 126.

2. Among the heathen. Or, “among the nations.” The nations surrounding Israel were constantly reminded of God’s miracle-working power on behalf of His chosen people. God designed that such demonstrations of power should be the means of acquainting the heathen with the true God, “that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him” (Acts 17:27).

4. Turn. See Introduction to Ps. 126.

South. Heb. Negeb, the southern part of Palestine, an arid desert most of the year; but whenever rain comes, and the brooks begin to flow, new life comes to the countryside. So, the psalmist prays, may God send new life and vitality to His people.

5. Sow in tears. Tears of anxiety and uncertainty, the heart wondering, as the seed is cast into the ground, whether there will be a harvest.

Joy. Heb. rinnah, frequently “a shout of joy.” Rinnah appears also in v. 2 and is there translated, “singing.” When the harvesttime comes, tears give place to ringing songs of joy, because the Lord has blessed the fruit of the soil.

6. He that goeth forth. The gospel worker may find comfort in this text as he scatters the good seed of the gospel, not knowing what success will accompany his efforts (see COL 65). If he continues faithfully sowing, he can be assured that in due season he will be able to present his sheaves at the feet of the Master and hear the blessed benediction, “Well done” (Matt. 25:21, 23). Tears of anxious labor will give place to the songs of joy. Gladness will take the place of sadness, “and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isa. 35:10).

Ellen G. White comments

1–3PK 559

3 2T 234

5 MYP 98; 5T 134; 6T 420

5, 6 Ev 63; EW 64

6 COL 65; Ed 105; FE 264; GW 187; TM 175; 2T 120; 3T 234, 481; 5T 395; 6T 305; 7T 23