Psalms 126

Psalms 126:1

THe captivitie] this Psalme seemeth to have been penned expressely upon the deliverance from Babylon. [Like them] our deliverance seemed so wonderfull, and almost incredible.

Psalms 126:4

Turne againe] that is to say, accomplish our deliverance, as well in delivering of our brethren which are yet remaining in Babylon, as in fulfilling of ours, who yet lie languishing under grievous burthens [As the streames] that is to say, that it may bee such a comfort and refreshing to us, as watering is to dry and desolate places, which are refreshed and flourish againe, by the comming in of the streames.

Psalms 126:5

They that sow] this may be understood either of the times which have been; or, of the present times Of the former times in this sense: As in time of dearth, the poore husbandman throweth with an evill will that small store of seed which hee hath into the earth, but is afterwards comforted by the ensuing harvest; so were wee carried into captivitie with much griefe, but now wee gather the fruits of Gods promises, and of our faith and patience with joy and feasting, Jeremiah 31:9. Of the present time in this sence. Now in these weak and small beginnings, wee are gieved because of the small likelihood there is of that, whereupon we doe employ our meanes and labours; namely, in the re-edifying of Ierusalem, and of the Temple, &c. But the time will come, that the Lord will cause us to gather the fruit of full comfort thereby.

Psalms 126:6

Precious seed] the Italian, seed bought for a price, this is added to aggravate the occasion of grief so much the more; Hebrew, the gathering in of the seed; namely, which is not our own harvest, but such as wee have beene faine to gather up out of a strange countrey: Others, precious seed, that is to say, corne, which is good and sitting to be sowed.