> [[psalm-125|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-127|Next →]] --- # Psalm 126 ## The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes 1 A song of ascents. ### I When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we thought we were dreaming. 2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were! 4 Restore our captives, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb. ### II 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. 6 Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves. \* (Psalm 126) A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion ([Ps 126:1] – [3]) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land ([Ps 126:4]). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life ([Ps 126:5] – [6]). \* (126:4) Like the dry stream beds of the Negeb: the psalmist prays for rain in such abundance that the dry riverbeds will run. a. (126:1) ([[psalm-14|Ps 14]]:7]. b. (126:2) [Jb 8:21]. c. (126:5) ([[baruch-04|Bar 4]]:23]; [Is 65:19]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-125|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-127|Next →]]