Psalm 126 (World English Bible)
1 When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”
3 Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.
What Psalm 126 means
"When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing." Even the nations noticed: the Lord has done great things for them.
The psalm has two halves. Verses 1 to 3 remember a restoration. Verses 4 to 6 ask God to do it again: "Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev." The streams of the Negev are dry desert beds that flash full when the rains come.
Then the promise: "Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves."
Where it fits in the Songs of Ascent
This is the clearest echo of Israel's return from exile in the whole collection, and it closes the first seven songs. Joy and tears sit side by side. The Feast of Tabernacles was a harvest feast, so the image of carrying sheaves home with singing would have been right in front of the pilgrims.
A question to sit with
What are you sowing in tears, and what would it mean to expect a harvest?
A prayer you can pray
Lord, You have done great things before, and I ask You to do them again. Like streams in the desert, restore what has run dry. I give You the seeds I am sowing in tears, and I trust You for a harvest of joy. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
