1.
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psalms 126.
The church, celebrating her incredible return out of captivity, prayeth for, and prophesieth the good success thereof.
A Song of Degrees.
Title. המעלות שׁיר Shiir hammangaloth.] This psalm is generally allowed to have been composed by Ezra, upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity. Mr. Mudge conjectures from the 4th verse, that it was written just at the juncture of the restoration, before it was fully completed.
Psalms 126:1. When the Lord, &c.— That is, "When the proclamation came forth to give us liberty to return to our own country, after a long captivity, (see Ezra 1:2-3.) we could scarcely believe it, but were apt to look upon ourselves as only in a dream of so great happiness." What we translate them that dream, is by many expositors rendered, them that are recovered to health: a sense which may be very proper, as signifying that this wonderful change was like the recovery of health after a very tedious sickness.
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.
Psalms 126:2. Then was our mouth, &c.— From that moment was, &c. From that moment said they, &c. i.e. "Never before would we indulge any joy; never before would the heathen, the Babylonians, acknowledge that God had done, &c."
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.