Psalm 126

  1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
  2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
  3. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
  4. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
  5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
  6. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.


Psalm 126 is a song of gratitude and hope, celebrating the restoration of Zion’s captivity. The psalmist reflects on the joy and disbelief experienced when the Lord intervened to deliver His people from bondage. The restoration was so miraculous that it felt like a dream, filling the mouths of the people with laughter and singing, and causing neighboring nations to acknowledge God’s greatness.

The psalmist acknowledges God’s faithfulness in delivering His people and expresses gratitude for the great things He has done. The psalmist then prays for continued restoration and blessings, likening the return of captivity to the renewal of streams in the desert, a powerful image of God’s transformative power.

The psalmist offers words of encouragement to those who are currently experiencing hardship, assuring them that their tears will ultimately be turned into joy. The metaphor of sowing in tears and reaping in joy emphasizes the redemptive nature of suffering and the promise of future blessings for those who persevere.

Overall, Psalm 126 serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness, His power to deliver His people from captivity, and His ability to turn sorrow into joy. It encourages believers to trust in God’s promises, even in the midst of trials, knowing that He will ultimately bring about redemption and restoration.