Psalms 126:1-6
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.a
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing preciousb seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalms 126. The heart of the godly now finds its center in Zion, when deliverance has been learnt; for so it will be (compare Isaiah 29:4; Isaiah 29:7). How low she was brought, according to Psalms 124! (Isaiah 29:4. Compare Isaiah 17:12-14, and other passages). It was a dream so full, so unlooked-for, the joy. The very heathen now owned Jehovah's hand. But the godly look for the full blessing, and the captivity to be turned again in the fullness of possessed blessing. Still God had manifested Himself; and to the faithful, who had taken up His testimony in sorrow, and when it was shame and reproach, it was now a harvest of joy. So it ever is; for full joy only comes through sorrow: for the testimony of God is in a world of evil.