
Text -- Psalms 126:1-3 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land.
JFB: Psa 126:1-3 - -- To praise for God's favor to His people is added a prayer for its continued manifestation. (Psa 126:1-6)
To praise for God's favor to His people is added a prayer for its continued manifestation. (Psa 126:1-6)

JFB: Psa 126:1-3 - -- The joy of those returned from Babylon was ecstatic, and elicited the admiration even of the heathen, as illustrating God's great power and goodness.
The joy of those returned from Babylon was ecstatic, and elicited the admiration even of the heathen, as illustrating God's great power and goodness.

JFB: Psa 126:1-3 - -- That is, restored from it (Job 39:12; Psa 14:7; Pro 12:14). HENGSTENBERG translates: "When the Lord turned Himself to the turning of Zion" (see Margin...
That is, restored from it (Job 39:12; Psa 14:7; Pro 12:14). HENGSTENBERG translates: "When the Lord turned Himself to the turning of Zion" (see Margin), God returns to His people when they return to Him (Deu 30:2-3).
Clarke: Psa 126:1 - -- When the Lord turned again the captivity - When Cyrus published his decree in favor of the Jews, giving them liberty to return to their own land, an...
When the Lord turned again the captivity - When Cyrus published his decree in favor of the Jews, giving them liberty to return to their own land, and rebuild their city and temple

Clarke: Psa 126:1 - -- We were like them that dream - The news was so unexpected that we doubted for a time the truth of it. We believed it was too good news to be true, a...
We were like them that dream - The news was so unexpected that we doubted for a time the truth of it. We believed it was too good news to be true, and thought ourselves in a dream or illusion. When the Romans had vanquished Philip, king of Macedon, they restored liberty to the Grecian cities by proclamation. It was done at the time of the Isthmian games, and by the crier, who went into the circus to proclaim them; none but the Roman general T. Quintius knowing what was to be done. Multitudes from all Greece were there assembled; and the tidings produced nearly the same effect upon them, according to Livy, that the publication of the decree of Cyrus did on the Jews, according to what is here related by the psalmist. I shall give the substance of this account from the Roman historian. When the Romans had sat down to behold the games, the herald with his trumpet went into the arena according to custom, to proclaim the several games. Silence being obtained, he solemnly pronounced the following words: -
Senatus romanus et t. Quincius imperator, philippo rege macedonibusque devictis; liberos, immunes, suis legibus esse jubet corinthios, phocenses, locrensesque omnes, et insulam euboeam, et magnetas, thessalos, perrhaebos, achaeos, phthiotas
"The Roman Senate, and T. Quintius the general, having vanquished king Philip and the Macedonians, do ordain that the Corinthians, Phocensians, all the Locrensians, the island of EubOea, the Magnesians, Thessalians, Perrhaebians, Acheans, and Phthiotians, shall be free, be delivered from all taxes, and live according to their own laws.
The effect that this produced on the astonished Grecians who were present, is related by this able historian in a very natural and affecting manner; and some parts of it nearly in the words of the psalmist
Audita voce praeconis, majus gaudium fuit, quam quod universum homines caperent. Vix satis se credere se quisque audisse: alii alios intueri mirabundi velut somnii vanam speciem: guod ad guemque pertineret, suarum aurium fidei minimum credentes, proximos interrogabant. Revocatur praeco, cum unusquisque non audire, sed videre libertatis suae nuncium averit, iterum pronunciaret eadem. Tum ab certo jam gaudio tantus cum clamore plausus est ortus, totiesque repetitus, ut facile appareret, nihil omnium bonorum multitudini gratius quam Libertatem esse
T. 54: Hist., lib. xxiii., c. 32
This proclamation of the herald being heard, there was such joy, that the people in general could not comprehend it. Scarcely could any person believe what he had heard. They gazed on each other, wondering as if it had been some illusion, similar to a dream; and although all were interested in what was spoken, none could trust his own ears, but inquired each from him who stood next to him what it was that was proclaimed. The herald was again called, as each expressed the strongest desire not only to hear, but see the messenger of his own liberty: the herald, therefore, repeated the proclamation. When by this repetition the glad tidings were confirmed, there arose such a shout, accompanied with repeated clapping of hands, as plainly showed that of all good things none is so dear to the multitude as Liberty
O that God may raise up some other deliverer to save these same cities with their inhabitants, from a worse yoke than ever was imposed upon them by the king of Macedon; and from a servitude which has now lasted three hundred years longer than the captivity of the Israelites in the empire of Babylon
Constantinople was taken by the Turks in 1453; and since that time till the present, (October, 1822), three hundred and sixty-nine years have elapsed. Why do the Christian powers of Europe stand by, and see the ark of their God in captivity; the holy name by which they are called despised and execrated; the vilest indignities offered to those who are called Christians, by barbarians the most cruel, ferocious, and abominable that ever disgraced the name of man? Great God, vindicate the cause of the distressed Greeks as summarily, as effectually, as permanently, as thou once didst that of thy oppressed people the Jews! Let the crescent never more fill its horns with a victory, nor with the spoils of any who are called by the sacred name of Jesus: but let it wane back into total darkness; and know no change for the better, till illuminated by the orient splendor of the Sun of righteousness! Amen! Amen
How signally has this prayer been thus far answered! Three great Christian powers, the British, the French, and the Russian, have taken up the cause of the oppressed Greeks. The Turkish fleet has been attacked in the Bay of Navarino by the combined fleets of the above powers in October, 1827, under the command of the British Admiral, Sir Edward Codrington, and totally annihilated. After which, the Mohammedan troops were driven out of Greece and the Morea; so that the whole of Greece is cleared of its oppressors, and is now under its own government, protected by the above powers - March, 1829.

Clarke: Psa 126:2 - -- Then upas our mouth filled with laughter - The same effect as was produced on the poor liberated Grecians mentioned above
Then upas our mouth filled with laughter - The same effect as was produced on the poor liberated Grecians mentioned above

Clarke: Psa 126:2 - -- Then said they among the heathen - The liberty now granted was brought about in so extraordinary a way, that the very heathens saw that the hand of ...
Then said they among the heathen - The liberty now granted was brought about in so extraordinary a way, that the very heathens saw that the hand of the great Jehovah must have been in it.

Clarke: Psa 126:3 - -- The Lord hath done great things for us - We acknowledge the hand of our God. Deus nobis haec otia fecit, "God alone has given us this enlargement.
The Lord hath done great things for us - We acknowledge the hand of our God. Deus nobis haec otia fecit, "God alone has given us this enlargement.

We are glad - This is a mere burst of ecstatic joy. O how happy are we!
Calvin: Psa 126:1 - -- 1.When Jehovah brought back the captivity of Zion, etc. It is unnatural and forced to suppose, with some expositors, that this is a prediction of wha...
1.When Jehovah brought back the captivity of Zion, etc. It is unnatural and forced to suppose, with some expositors, that this is a prediction of what was to come. For my part I have no doubt that the Psalm was composed upon the return of the Jewish people from the Babylonish captivity; and for this reason I have translated the verb

Calvin: Psa 126:2 - -- 2.Now shall our mouth be filled with laughter The adverb of time, אז , az, is commonly translated then; but as the verbs are in the future ten...
2.Now shall our mouth be filled with laughter The adverb of time,
Defender -> Psa 126:1
Defender: Psa 126:1 - -- This psalm may have been written after the Babylonian captivity but also could refer to the long siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, with God's miracul...
This psalm may have been written after the Babylonian captivity but also could refer to the long siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib, with God's miraculous deliverance and the miracle of the sun dial's shadow (Isa 38:7, Isa 38:8). The entire psalm is best understood in context of this great deliverance and the resultant joy."
TSK: Psa 126:1 - -- turned again : etc. Heb. returned the returning of Zion, Psa 53:6, Psa 85:1; Ezr 1:1-11; Job 42:10; Jer 31:8-10; Hos 6:11; Joe 3:1
we were like : Job ...
turned again : etc. Heb. returned the returning of Zion, Psa 53:6, Psa 85:1; Ezr 1:1-11; Job 42:10; Jer 31:8-10; Hos 6:11; Joe 3:1
we were like : Job 9:16; Mar 16:11; Luk 24:11, Luk 24:41; Act 12:9, Act 12:14-16

TSK: Psa 126:2 - -- Then was : Psa 14:7, Psa 53:6, Psa 106:47, Psa 106:48; Ezr 3:11; Job 8:21; Isa 35:10, Isa 49:9-13; Jer 31:12, Jer 31:13, Jer 33:11; Rev 11:15-17
then ...
Then was : Psa 14:7, Psa 53:6, Psa 106:47, Psa 106:48; Ezr 3:11; Job 8:21; Isa 35:10, Isa 49:9-13; Jer 31:12, Jer 31:13, Jer 33:11; Rev 11:15-17
then said : Num 23:23; Jos 2:9-11, Jos 9:9, Jos 9:10; Neh 6:16; Zec 8:22, Zec 8:23; Rom 11:15
done great things for them : Heb. magnified to do with them

TSK: Psa 126:3 - -- Psa 18:50, Psa 31:19, Psa 66:5, Psa 66:6, Psa 68:7, Psa 68:8, Psa 68:22; Ezr 7:27, Ezr 7:28; Isa 11:11-16, Isa 12:4-6; Isa 51:9-11, Isa 52:9, Isa 52:1...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Psa 126:1 - -- When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion - Margin, as in Hebrew, "returned the returning of Zion."The Hebrew word which is rendered in ...
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion - Margin, as in Hebrew, "returned the returning of Zion."The Hebrew word which is rendered in the text captivity means properly return; and then, those returning. The ancient versions render it captivity. The reference clearly is to those who were returning to Zion, and the psalmist fixes his eye on them as returning, and immediately says that it was the Lord who had thus restored them. The whole was to be traced to God.
We were like them that dream - The Latin Vulgate and the Septuagint render this, "we were comforted."The meaning is, "It seemed like a dream; we could hardly realize that it was so; it was so marvelous, so good, so full of joy, that we could scarcely believe it was real."This state of mind is not uncommon, when, in sudden and overpowering joy, we ask whether it can be real; whether it is not all a dream. We fear that it is; we apprehend that it will all vanish away like a dream.

Barnes: Psa 126:2 - -- Then was our mouth filled with laughter - Then were we happy; completely happy. See Job 8:21. And our tongue with singing - We expressed ...
Then was our mouth filled with laughter - Then were we happy; completely happy. See Job 8:21.
And our tongue with singing - We expressed our joy in songs - the natural expression of joy. Young converts - those "turned"from sin to God - sing. Their feelings find expression in the songs of Zion. This is natural; this is proper; this will occur when sinners are converted. An assemblage of young converts is always a happy assemblage; a place where there is a "revival"of religion is always a happy place - full of songs and singing.
Then said they among the heathen - The nations; the people among whom they dwelt.
The Lord hath done great things for them - In causing their return to their own land; in ordering the arrangements for it; in bringing their captivity to an end; in securing such interposition from the civil rulers as to facilitate their return. This would indicate that the surrounding people had not an unfriendly feeling toward them, but that they pitied them in exile, and were disposed to acknowledge the hand of God in what was done. Their deliverance, in the circumstances, was such as evidently to have been the work of God. This will agree well with the account of the return of the exiles from Babylon, and with all that had been done for them by Cyrus. Compare Ezr 1:1-4.

Barnes: Psa 126:3 - -- The Lord hath done great things for us - All that the people around us say is true. We see it; we feel it; we acknowledge it. Those to whom thi...
The Lord hath done great things for us - All that the people around us say is true. We see it; we feel it; we acknowledge it. Those to whom this pertained would see it more clearly than those who had merely observed it. A surrounding world may see in the conversion of a man, in his being turned from sin, in the influence of religion upon him, in his comfort, calmness, and peace, that "the Lord has done great things"for him; but he himself, while he responds most fully to what they say, will see this more clearly than they do. There is more in his redemption, his conversion, his peace and joy, than they do or can perceive, and with emphasis he himself will say, "The Lord has done great things for me."
Whereof we are glad - It fills our souls with joy. If this is understood of the returning Hebrews - coming back from the captivity in Babylon - all must see how appropriate is the language; if it be applied to a sinner returning to God, it is no less suitable, for there is nothing that so fills the mind with joy as a true conversion to God.
Poole -> Psa 126:2
Poole: Psa 126:2 - -- They did and well might wonder at it, that a heathen emperor should of his own mere motion show so much kindness to so hateful and despicable a peop...
They did and well might wonder at it, that a heathen emperor should of his own mere motion show so much kindness to so hateful and despicable a people as the Jews were.
Nothing can be done without God's grace and blessing.

Haydock: Psa 126:1 - -- Of. Or "for" Solomon. This word is not in the Septuagint. (Berthier) ---
Some suppose that David put the psalm into his hands, to teach him tha...
Of. Or "for" Solomon. This word is not in the Septuagint. (Berthier) ---
Some suppose that David put the psalm into his hands, to teach him that all depends on God. (Muis) ---
He was to undertake various important works during his reign, (Haydock) particularly the temple, at the dedication of which this might be sung. (Worthington) ---
The chiefs of the captives might also appropriate it to their use, (Berthier) when they were rebuilding the temple, 2 Esdras iv., and vi. (Calmet) ---
It seems to refer to the times of the Messias. (Berthier) ---
House, or temple, and grant children, Exodus i. 21., and Genesis xxx. 2. Without God's assistance, all your endeavours to rebuild the temple and city will prove fruitless. ---
It. Nehemias had ordered the citizens to watch the attempts of Sanaballat. (Calmet) ---
But still depended more on Providence than on his own industry. (Haydock) ---
David, Solomon, Esdras, &c., may have held this language. (Berthier) ---
Yet inactivity is not encouraged. We must labour, and still expect success from God alone. (St. Chrysostom) (Ephesians ii. 16.) ---
God must be the principal agent, (Worthington) and all the glory must be given to Him. (Haydock)

Haydock: Psa 126:2 - -- Light. That is, your early rising, your labour and worldly solicitude, will be vain, that is, will avail you nothing, without the light, grace, an...
Light. That is, your early rising, your labour and worldly solicitude, will be vain, that is, will avail you nothing, without the light, grace, and blessing of God. (Challoner) ---
Nehemias divided the people into companies, to prevent their being too much fatigued. (Calmet) ---
Without light it is impossible for man to work, John ix. 4. (Haydock) ---
The labours of those who live by the robbery of the distressed, are vain. (Chaldean) ---
Rise ye, is not in Hebrew. (Haydock) ---
Sitten. Allow yourselves proper time for rest, after your labours and sorrows: for his beloved, whom he favours with his grace, shall sleep and rest under his wing, and yet abound with offspring, and all blessings. (Challoner) ---
Sorrow. St. Jerome, "of idols." This worship of God is odious. ---
Beloved. Solomon. (Houbigant) ---
Yet some explain the Hebrew in the plural, as it is applicable to all the people. The Jews were under great alarms: but were encouraged to hope that God would protect them, and give them a numerous progeny; though, as the country was probably never so well peopled as under Solomon, this may rather refer to the elect, who after the sleep of death (Berthier) shall behold those whom Christ shall acknowledge for his children, (Haydock) and obtain an eternal reward. (St. Hilary) ---
Whatever people may think they have done well, without God's grace, is all useless, and they must begin again; whereas those who are guided by it, perform all with as much ease as they would sleep, and yet merit a reward, which is promised in heaven to the true children who are born to God in the Catholic Church. (Worthington)
Gill: Psa 126:1 - -- When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,.... Or returned the Jews from their captivity in Babylon; who are called Zion, from the city of Davi...
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,.... Or returned the Jews from their captivity in Babylon; who are called Zion, from the city of David, built on Mount Zion, which was in Judea, and adjoined to Jerusalem, the metropolis of the kingdom; and because they were the godly who were concerned for Zion in a spiritual sense, or the church of God, and the interest of religion, whose spirits the Lord stirred up to come out of Babylon, upon the proclamation by Cyrus, when those that were more worldly and carnal stayed behind; as also because the chief mercy in returning the captives was the rebuilding the temple on Mount Zion, and the restoration of religious worship; which gave the religious captives in Babylon great concern, Psa 137:1. This deliverance of the captives, though it was by Cyrus as an instrument, yet it was the Lord's work; which he employed him in, and stirred him up to do, and therefore is ascribed to him. And though this is expressed in the past tense, yet it may be put for the future; and be considered as a prophecy of it, and which the following word seems to confirm; and especially the prayer, Psa 126:4; for the return of the captivity seems to require it should: and may not only literally respect the return of the captives in Babylon, but the conversion of the Jews in the latter day, and their deliverance from their present captivity; which is expressed sometimes by the Lord's bringing again Zion, and returning the captivity of the Jews, and their being turned to the Lord, Isa 52:8; and may be applied to spiritual and eternal redemption by Christ, of which the deliverance from Babylon was a type; and is sometimes expressed in the same language, Psa 14:7; and the people redeemed are often signified by Zion, and are by nature captives to sin, Satan, and the law; from whence they are redeemed by Christ, whose work alone it is, Isa 1:27;
we were like them that dream; or "shall be" p; that is, as persons that know not whether they are asleep or awake; and whether what they see and enjoy is in reality or only a vision, as Peter's deliverance from prison was to him, Act 12:9; When the proclamation by Cyrus was first heard of by the Jews, and they had their liberty upon it, they could hardly tell whether it was a real thing or a vision, and could scarcely believe it for joy; it seemed too good news to be true, as the news of Joseph's being alive was to Jacob, Gen 45:26; and so the appearance of Christ, his resurrection, and redemption by him, were to the disciples, Luk 24:11. The Targum is,
"we were like the sick that are recovered;''
which sense the word has in Job 39:4; and will be the case of the Jews, when they are converted; who will be recovered out of the sick state and condition in which they now are, and have all their diseases healed, and sins forgiven; yea, their conversion will be as life from the dead, a resurrection of them from their graves, Rom 11:15. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render it, "as those that are comforted"; and the Syriac version, "as those that rejoice"; each of the seasons mentioned being times of comfort and joy: Joseph Kimchi interprets it of the passing away and forgetfulness of affliction and trouble at the time of redemption, like a dream that flies away upon awaking.

Gill: Psa 126:2 - -- Then was our mouth filled with laughter,.... Who before mourned, and hung their harps on the willows, and could not sing the Lord's song in a strange ...
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,.... Who before mourned, and hung their harps on the willows, and could not sing the Lord's song in a strange land; but now, as their hearts were filled, with joy, this was externally and visibly seen in their countenances, and expressed with their mouths and by outward gestures; it was so great, they could not contain it, to which respect is had, Isa 35:10. It may be rendered, "then shall our mouth be filled with laughter" q; that is, when we awake, says Arama; or rather when the captivity is returned, either in a literal or in a spiritual sense, both being matter of great joy: the Midrash says, this will be in the world to come, and not in this;
and our tongue with singing; the praises of God, and the songs of Zion;
then said they among the Heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them; it was taken notice of by the Chaldeans, among whom they had been captives, and by all the nations round about: and it was wonderful to them, that Cyrus, an Heathen prince, of his own motion and will, should at once, and without any price or reward, let them go, and send them into their own country to rebuild their temple; and with them the vessels of the Lord's house, that had been taken away by the king of Babylon; and order men to help them, with gold and silver, and goods and cattle, Ezr 1:1. Likewise the conversion of the Jews, and the restoration of them to their own and in the latter day, will be observed by the Gentiles with wonder, and as the work of God, Eze 36:35.

Gill: Psa 126:3 - -- The Lord hath done great things for us,.... These words are generally supposed to be the words of the Jews, taking up those of the Gentiles, and confi...
The Lord hath done great things for us,.... These words are generally supposed to be the words of the Jews, taking up those of the Gentiles, and confirming them; acknowledging that the Lord had done great things for them indeed; which, had they not owned, they would have been exceeding ungrateful; had they been silent concerning them, the stones would have cried out, and the very Heathens condemned them. But I see not why they may not be thought to be the words of those among the Heathens continued; declaring that the great things done were not for the Jews only, but for them also; as the great redemption by Christ is of persons out of every tongue, people, and nation; for he is the propitiation, not for the Jews only, but for the sins of the whole world; and having this in view, thus they express themselves. The work of redemption is a great thing of itself; the produce of great wisdom; the effect of great love; procured at a great price, for great sinners, by a great Saviour; and is not only a deliverance from sin, Satan, and the law; but contains many great and glorious blessings in it, as justification, remission of sins, adoption, and eternal life;
whereof we are glad; that those great things are done without us, finished by the Redeemer himself; that they are so great and glorious, so rich and plenteous, so full and free, and suitable to us; and done for us sinners of the Gentiles, so unworthy of them, who are by nature children of wrath as others.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Psa 126:1 Heb “we were like dreamers.” This could mean the speakers were so overcome with ecstatic joy (see v. 3b) that they were like those who fan...

Geneva Bible: Psa 126:1 "A Song of degrees." When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that ( a ) dream.
( a ) Their deliverance was incredible and...

Geneva Bible: Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth ( b ) filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the ( c ) heathen, The LORD hath done great things fo...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Psa 126:1-6
TSK Synopsis: Psa 126:1-6 - --1 The church, celebrating her incredible return out of captivity,4 prays for, and prophesies the good success thereof.
MHCC -> Psa 126:1-3
MHCC: Psa 126:1-3 - --It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, f...
Matthew Henry -> Psa 126:1-3
Matthew Henry: Psa 126:1-3 - -- While the people of Israel were captives in Babylon their harps were hung upon the willow-trees, for then God called to weeping and mourning, then h...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Psa 126:1-3
Keil-Delitzsch: Psa 126:1-3 - --
When passages like Isa 1:9; Gen 47:25, or others where והיינו is perf. consec. , are appealed to in order to prove that היינוּ כּחל...
Constable: Psa 107:1--150:6 - --V. Book 5: chs. 107--150
There are 44 psalms in this section of the Psalter. David composed 15 of these (108-110...

Constable: Psa 126:1-6 - --Psalm 126
This psalm appears to date from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the Israelites returned fro...
