King James Version
Psalms 126
6 verses with commentary
Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord
A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. turned: Heb. returned the returning
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm begins with joyful retrospection on restoration: 'When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.' The phrase 'turned again the captivity' (Hebrew 'shub shebut') means restore fortunes or bring back captives - specifically referring to return from Babylonian exile, though applicable to any divine restoration. The expression 'we were like them that dream' c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **When the Lord . . .**—Literally, *In turning by Jehovah the turning of Zion. *The phrase is not precisely the same as that in Psalm 126:4, which is usual, and offers no difficulty. Here the form of the noun “turning” presents some difficulty; but, after the analogy of a few other words, it can bear the concrete meaning “returned:” *when Jehovah brought back the returned of Zion.*
**Like them...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. set ... eyes--**as an example to be approved and followed.
**no wicked thing--**literally, "word," plan or purpose of Belial (Psa 41:8).
**work of ... aside--**apostates.
**not cleave to me--**I will not be implicated in it (compare Psa 1:1-3).
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. hath: Heb. hath magnified to do with them
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KJV Study Commentary
The response to restoration is described: '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.' The temporal 'then' connects directly to restoration (v. 1). The physical descriptions 'mouth filled with laughter' and 'tongue with singing' emphasize overflow of joy that must express itself audibly. Laughter...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Singing.**—As frequently of the restoration in Isaiah—42:11, 44:23, 54:1, &c.
**Hath done.**—See margin, and comp. Joel 2:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. A froward heart--**or, "perverse heart" (Psa 18:26). Such a temper I will not indulge, nor even know evil or wickedness.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
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KJV Study Commentary
The testimony is owned by God's people: 'The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.' This verse mirrors what the nations said (v. 2), now spoken by Israel themselves. The repetition emphasizes agreement between outside observers and internal experience - both recognize God's greatness. The possessive 'for us' claims the blessing personally and corporately. The phrase 'whereof we ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I **will disown; but--**
Turn again our captivity , O LORD, as the streams in the south.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm shifts from celebration to petition: 'Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.' The prayer 'turn again our captivity' seems puzzling after verses 1-3 celebrated restoration. This suggests either (1) the restoration is incomplete, (2) new troubles have arisen, or (3) the psalm looks forward to ultimate, eschatological restoration. The comparison 'as the streams in th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Captivity.**—Here there is a change. The joy of the great Return was too great not to last on through many vicissitudes. But the poet now thinks of the many exiles still dispersed among the nations, and prays for another manifestation of Divine favour and power.
**The streams in the south.**—Rather, *the channels in the south. *The allusion is to the sudden filling of the dry torrent-beds of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I **will disown; but--**
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. joy: or, singing
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KJV Study Commentary
A principle of sowing and reaping is introduced: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.' This agricultural metaphor connects planting in difficult circumstances with eventual harvest in better times. 'Sowing in tears' captures the experience of faithful labor during suffering - continuing kingdom work despite pain, loss, or opposition. Tears represent sorrow, grief, or hardship accompanying pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Joy.**—Rather, *singing, *as in Psalm 126:2. The harvest-home songs are contrasted with the anxiety of the seed-time. Probably the poet found the proverbial saying already current, but he has touched it with the consecrating hand till it has become only less precious than the saying of Divine lips, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. not dwell--**literally, "not sit," or tarry, or be established.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. precious: or, seed basket
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KJV Study Commentary
The sowing-reaping principle is expanded with parallel imagery: 'He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' The verse personalizes the principle ('he that goeth') while maintaining universal application. 'Goeth forth' emphasizes intentional action - going out to sow despite circumstances. 'Weepeth' intensifies ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) The original is very expressive, by the idiom of infinitive combined with finite verb.
“He shall walk, and walk and weep,
Bearing the handful of seed:
He shall come, and come with singing,
Bearing his sheaves,”
where we must certainly see an extension and not a mere repetition of the former figure, for the very form of the expression suggests the long patient labour of the sower, and the rewar...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. will early--**or, "diligently."
**city of the Lord--**or, "holy place" (Psa 48:2), where wicked men shall not be tolerated.