Psalms 126

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 126

A Song of Ascents celebrating God's restoration of his people. When the Lord brought back the captives, it was like a dream. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

Scripture

Restored Like a Dream

Study note

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, it was like a dream. Mouths were filled with laughter and tongues with songs of joy. The nations said, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'

1 When the LORD brought the people of Zion back home again, it felt like we were dreaming. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Our mouths could not stop laughing, and our tongues kept shouting for joy! Even the other nations were saying, 'The LORD has done something amazing for them.' Then 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.

3 The LORD truly has done something amazing for us, and we are bursting with joy. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Tears Become Joy

Study note

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the desert. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. The one who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying bundles of grain.

4 LORD, bring back our good days again, like rain filling up dry riverbeds in the desert. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 Those who plant their seeds with tears streaming down their faces will gather the harvest with shouts of joy. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 The farmer who walks out crying as he plants his seed will surely come back singing and carrying armloads of grain. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 126

Restoration that feels like a dreamLaughter and joy after captivitySowing in tears and reaping with joyGod does great things

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 126

'Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.' If you are sowing seeds through tears right now — praying, serving, enduring — hold on. The harvest is coming. When God restores, it will feel too good to be true. But it will be real. Your tears are not wasted; they are watering something beautiful.

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