Psalms 126

Psalm 126#sn Psalm 126. Recalling the joy of past deliverance, God’s covenant community asks for a fresh display of God’s power and confidently anticipate their sorrow being transformed into joy.

A song of ascents.#sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

1When 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.