What does Psalm chapter 126 mean?

After seventy years of exile in Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:17–21), the people of Israel were given permission to return to the Promised Land (Ezra 2:1). This is most likely the inspiration for this "song of ascent." Other such songs (Psalms 120—134) were employed to mark the journey into Jerusalem for various required festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16).

Prophets predicted Israel's captivity and restoration (Jeremiah 29:10–11; Daniel 9:2). When this finally happened, those who longed for their Promised Land would have been overjoyed. It likely seemed too good to be true. Yet it was something incredible God was doing for His people. This not only sent a message to Israel; it also showed the Gentile nations that God was working for the good of the Jewish people (Psalm 126:1–3).

Restoration of Israel in their ancestral land would not have happened instantly. The psalmist might be praying that God will continue to bless the people so that they are prosperous and safe. Restarting agriculture would have been especially difficult for fields left untouched for years. The pain of those early days would be worth it when the harvests came. This sudden increase is compared to the way desert streams suddenly overflow with water when seasonal rains flow down from the mountains (Psalm 126:4–6).

Another possible meaning for the references to streams and harvests is the idea of bringing more Israelites home from Babylon. Josephus, an ancient historian, notes that a massive number of Jewish people remained in Babylon, despite being allowed to return to Israeli lands. After seventy years, many of them would have known no life other than Babylon. The psalmist may be speaking of the effort to encourage more of God's chosen people to reunite with the land which God gave them.