1.
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
turned. the captivity = turned the fortunes. This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing. See Job 42:10 and Ezekiel 16:53 and Ezekiel 16:56 , where it is three times explained as "return to your former estate". See App-67 .
Zion. See App-68 .
like them that dream. The reference is to the waking in 2 Kings 19:35 .Isaiah 37:36 . The illustration is in Luke 24:41 .Acts 12:9 (603 B.C.)
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.
singing: i.e. the songs of Isaiah 38:20 .
said they = was it said.
heathen = nations. The reference is to 2 Chronicles 32:22 , 2 Chronicles 32:23 .
The LORD hath done great things. Figure of speech Anadiplosis ( App-6 ), because the phrase is repeated at the beginning of the next verse.
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.
streams = torrents. Hebrew. 'aphikim. See 2 Samuel 22:16 . Supply the Ellipsis, "as the streams [are turned] in the Negeb".
in the south = in the Negeb, where, in the hill-country of Judaea the 'aphikim are turned about in their beds between the rocks and in the gorges.
south. Hebrew Negeb; the hill-country of Judaea. See note on Genesis 13:1 , and Deuteronomy 1:7 .
5.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
sow in tears. The reference is to the "sign" given in Isaiah 37:30 . See App-67 .
6.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.