Psalms 126:1-4

A song of ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of^[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed.^[b]

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,^[c]LORD, like streams in the Negev.

Psalms 126:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 126

\\<>\\. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by Ezra, or some good man returned from the Babylonish captivity, and on account of it: the inscription in the Syriac version of it, besides observing it to be a song of degrees or ascents, and without a name, is, ``it is said of Haggai and Zechariah, who came up out of Babylon with the captives; but spiritually; and it is an expectation of good things to come.'' It may have respect to redemption by the Messiah; and the conversion of the Jews in the latter day.

Cross References

• 1. Ezra 1:1-3; Psalms 85:1; Hosea 6:11
• 2. S Genesis 21:6
• 3. S Job 8:21; Psalms 51:14; S Psalms 65:8
• 4. S Deuteronomy 10:21; Psalms 71:19; Luke 1:49
• 5. Psalms 106:21; Joel 2:21,26
• 6. S Psalms 9:2; Psalms 16:11; Isaiah 25:9
• 7. S Deuteronomy 30:3
• 8. S Psalms 107:35; Isaiah 35:6; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 51:3

Footnotes

• [a]. Or Lord"brought back the captives to"
• [b]. Or "those restored to health"
• [c]. Or "Bring back our captives"