Psalms — Chapter 126

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1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2Then 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.

3The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

1When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.

3Jehovah hath done great things for us, [Whereof] we are glad.

4Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South.

5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves [with him]. Psalm 127 A Song of Ascents; of Solomon.

1A song of ascents. When the Lord restored the well-being of Zion, we thought we were dreaming.

2At that time we laughed loudly and shouted for joy. At that time the nations said, “The Lord has accomplished great things for these people.”

3The Lord did indeed accomplish great things for us. We were happy.

4O Lord, restore our well-being, just as the streams in the arid south are replenished.

5Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.

6The one who weeps as he walks along, carrying his bag of seed, will certainly come in with a shout of joy, carrying his sheaves of grain.

1When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”

3Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.

4Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.

5Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

6He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

Summary
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
Videos
Reflection

Summary

A Song of Ascents — 'When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream'; a joyful remembrance of restoration and prayer for more: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.'

Authorship & Background

Author: Multiple authors — primarily David (73 psalms attributed), plus Asaph (12), Sons of Korah (11), Solomon (2), Moses (1), Heman (1), Ethan (1), and anonymous. The Psalter was compiled over approximately 1000 years and served as Israel's hymnal and prayer book. The book is divided into five 'books' (1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150), paralleling the five books of Moses. Key themes: worship, lament, praise, trust, kingship, creation, wisdom, Messianic prophecy, and the full range of human emotion brought before God.
Classification: Song of Ascents / Communal Lament and Hope Attributed Author: Anonymous (superscription: "A Song of degrees") Key Themes: The joy of restoration, laughter and singing at God's deliverance, sowing in tears and reaping in joy, the dream-like quality of answered prayer
Historical Context: Psalm 126 likely celebrates the return from Babylonian exile (538 BC) — the restoration of Zion that seemed like a dream when it happened. The first half recalls past deliverance with overwhelming joy; the second half prays for continued/future restoration using agricultural imagery. "Sowing in tears" and "reaping in joy" has become proverbial. The Negev streams (v.4) are wadis that are bone-dry in summer but suddenly rush with water after rain — an image of sudden, dramatic restoration after long drought.
Structure:
  • Remembering Past Restoration (vv.1-3)
  • Prayer for Present Restoration (v.4)
  • The Principle: Tears to Joy (vv.5-6)

Map & Geography

  • Zion (v.1): The hill on which Jerusalem/the Temple stood; often used poetically for God's dwelling.

Videos

The Bible Project — Psalms Overview

Reflection

  • 1. Restoration feels like a dream (v.1). When God finally moves after long waiting, it's almost unbelievable. Trust that God-sized answers will come — even if they seem too good to be true.
  • 2. Sow in tears (v.5). Your pain is not wasted if you're sowing. Tears are seed. Every faithful act done through suffering is investment in future harvest. Keep sowing, even when weeping.
  • 3. "Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing" (v.6). The harvest is GUARANTEED. Not "might" — SHALL. Not "possibly" — DOUBTLESS. If you sow faithfully, you WILL reap joyfully. The only question is timing.
  • 4. Turn your captivities into testimonies (vv.1-3). When God delivers, don't keep it quiet. Even the nations noticed Israel's restoration. Let your testimony be heard.