Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 126

Turned again. See Introduction to Ps. 126.

Among the heathen. Or, “among the nations.” The nations surrounding Israel were constantly reminded of God’s miracle-working power on behalf of His chosen people. God designed that such demonstrations of power should be the means of acquainting the

heathen with the true God, “that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him” (Acts 17:27).

Turn. See Introduction to Ps. 126. South. Heb. Negeb, the southern part of Palestine, an arid desert most of the year; but whenever rain comes, and the brooks begin to flow, new life comes to the countryside. So, the psalmist prays, may God send new life and vitality to His people.

Sow in tears. Tears of anxiety and uncertainty, the heart wondering, as the seed is cast into the ground, whether there will be a harvest. Joy. Heb. rinnah, frequently “a shout of joy.” Rinnah appears also in v. 2 and is there translated, “singing.” When the harvesttime comes, tears give place to ringing songs of joy, because the Lord has blessed the fruit of the soil.

He that goeth forth. The gospel worker may find comfort in this text as he scatters the good seed of the gospel, not knowing what success will accompany his efforts (see COL 65). If he continues faithfully sowing, he can be assured that in due season he will be able to present his sheaves at the feet of the Master and hear the blessed benediction, “Well done” (Matt. 25:21, 23). Tears of anxious labor will give place to the songs of joy. Gladness will take the place of sadness, “and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isa. 35:10).