INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 126
A SONG OF DEGREES. This psalm is generally thought to have been
written by Ezra, or some good man returned from the Babylonish
captivity, and on account of it: the inscription in the Syriac version
of it, besides observing it to be a song of degrees or ascents, and
without... [ Continue Reading ]
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 concern... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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; h... [ Continue Reading ]
TURN AGAIN OUR CAPTIVITY, O LORD,.... This prayer for the return of
the captivity shows that it was not as yet: though some think that
this is a petition of those that were returned from captivity, for
those of their brethren that stayed behind; who, enjoying the sweets
of their liberty, pray for th... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY THAT SOW IN TEARS SHALL REAP IN JOY. A proverbial expression,
encouraging faith in prayer put up for the return of the captivity,
whether in a literal or spiritual sense. Praying or seeking the Lord
is sowing in righteousness, Hosea 10:12; which is often attended with
tears and weeping; the iss... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT GOETH FORTH AND WEEPETH, BEARING PRECIOUS SEED,.... Which he
sows in tears. This is but a repetition and confirmation of what is
before expressed in different words; and may be applied, as to a
praying saint, so to a faithful preacher of the word. The word is the
precious seed which he bears... [ Continue Reading ]