_A.M. 3474. B.C. 530._ This Psalm is generally thought to have been composed by Ezra, at, or soon after, the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity. Here the children of Zion describe the joy consequent upon their restoration, Psalms 126:1. Pray to God to bring back the rest of their coun... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion_ Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land; _we were like them that dream_ We were so surprised and astonished at the report of such a favour, and especially when the proclamation went forth, to give us liberty to return to ou... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then was our mouth filled with laughter_ We thought ourselves in a new world, and the surprise of it put us into such an ecstasy and transport of joy, that we could scarcely contain ourselves within the bounds of decency in the expressions of it; _and our mouth with singing_ We gave vent to our joy... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord hath done great things for us_ And we should be very ungrateful if we did not thankfully acknowledge it, and praise him for the singular benefits, which excite even the wonder of strangers; for the Lord hath not only restored our liberty, but manifested the greatness of his power in affect... [ Continue Reading ]
_Turn again our captivity, O Lord_ Perfect what thou hast begun, and as thou hast brought us home, bring home also the rest of our brethren, who still remain captives in Babylon, or are dispersed in that country, or in any other parts of the world; _as the streams in the south_ Which would be as wel... [ Continue Reading ]
_They that sow in tears shall reap in joy_ This seems to refer to the foregoing prayer; as if he had said, And this thou wilt do in thy good time: thou wilt give them, as thou hast given us, a joyful return after so sad a time of captivity. The argument is taken from the common course of God's provi... [ Continue Reading ]