Psalms 126

The church doth give God thanks for her wonderful deliverance out of the Babylonian captivity, beseeching him to perfect his work.

1. A song (or hymn) Hammaaloth. When the LORD brought the captives of Zion: [Heb. The captivity, i.e. the captives of Zion, the people of Israel] back again [to wit, out of the Babylonian captivity, etc.] we were like them that dream. [the meaning is; We Jews, being returned or returning out of our captivity in Babylon, we knew and found really, that is was true, yet could not but doubt our own knowledge, whether indeed we were returning, or but in a dream all the while. See Isa.29.7,8. And Acts 12:9.]

2. Then was our mouth filled with laughing, and our tongue with shouting, [Or with cheerful singing; and so below v.5.] then it was said among the heathen: the LORD hath done great things on [or with, as also v.3.] these [Jews namely.]

3. The LORD hath done great things with us, (for this) we rejoice.

4. O LORD, turn our captivity [Hebr. Bring back our captivity. The sence is, go on with and perfect this good beginning of our deliverance, bringing likewise back the remnant of our brethren left yet in Babylon behind us] like water streams [i.e. the same will be as pleasing and acceptable, as when the dry and hot Southern grounds or countries are refreshed with overflowings] in the South. [i.e. in high and dry soil. See Jud.1.15.]

5. They that sow with tears, shall reap with shouting. [These are words of the Jews, which were newly returned out of the Babylonian captivity, as who should say: We that during the Babylonian captivity have sowed with tears; shall reap with joy hereafter, being solaced with our deliverance out of Babel.]

6. He that carries the seed, [Others, the precious seed, i.e. which they dearly bought] which shall be sowed, [or which he is to sow: Heb. The drawing of the seed; or, the seed of the drawing; to wit, which is drawn forth out of the sowing bag] goeth going all along and weeping: [this kind of expression implies continuing and eager going. The meaing is, it goes with us, as with the poor country people, who having gotten a small quantity of dear-brought seed, which they stand otherwise in need of, do cast forth the same into the ground with much reluctancy of mind, but when the Harvest time comes, then they rejoice the more, seeing the rich blessing of God] (but) surely, he shall return with shouting, carrying his sheaves.