ⓘThe Lord brought about Israel’s restoration from exile,...
The Lord brought about Israel’s restoration from exile, just as he had brought Israel out of Egypt (114:1). The restoration transformed the weeping of the Lord’s people into laughter and showed the Lord’s character to the nations (9:11; 64:9; Isa 12:4).
ⓘThis hymn celebrates Israel’s return from exile (126:1–3)....
This hymn celebrates Israel’s return from exile (126:1–3). The psalmist prays for full restoration (126:4–6).
1When the LORD restored the captives of Zion,†we were like dreamers.†2Then our mouths were filled with laughter,our tongues with shouts of joy.Then it was said among the nations,“The LORD has done great things for them.”3The LORD has done great things for us;we are filled with joy.ⓘThe prophets had spoken of the restoration as...
The prophets had spoken of the restoration as a time when the wilderness would change into the Garden of Eden (Isa 51:3; Ezek 47); the reality fell far short of paradise. Here the restoration community prays for full redemption (see Hag 2:19).
as streams renew the desert: The seasonal rains filled the dry river beds (wadis), and the land turned green again. The prayer looks for a similar transformation of Israel’s fortunes, a fulfillment of the imagery of the “Second Exodus” in Isaiah (see “The Promise of a Second Exodus” Theme Note).
The harvest represents God’s full restoration.
4Restore our captives,†O LORD,like streams in the Negev.5Those who sow in tearswill reap with shouts of joy.6He who goes out weeping,bearing a trail of seed,will surely return with shouts of joy,carrying sheaves of grain.