Psalm 126
This psalm relates to some remarkable deliverance of the Jewish church, perhaps from Babylon, as typical of those of the gospel church; and, (1.) Represents great admiration of, and thankfulness for the deliverance, ver. 1-3. (2.) Contains prayers for, and encouragement to saints exercised with tribulations, ver. 4-6.
While I sing, let me admire the Lord’s kindness to my country, to his gospel church to mankind to my soul. And, in my remaining distress, personal or relative, let me sow in mourning and supplication, that I may through grace reap joyful deliverances, and everlasting consolations.
1 When Zion’s bondage God turned back,
as men that dreamed were we.
2 Then filled with laughter was our mouth,
our tongue with melody:
They ‘mong the heathen said, The Lord
great things for them hath wrought.
3 The Lord hath done great things for us,
whence joy to us is brought.
4 As streams of water in the south,
our bondage, Lord, recall.
5 Who sow in tears, a reaping time
of joy enjoy they shall.
6 That man who, bearing precious seed,
in going forth doth mourn,
He doubtless, bringing back his sheaves,
rejoicing shall return.
