Psalms 126 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 126 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

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.

Psalm 126:1–3 expresses joy beyond belief over news which seemed too good to accept. Hearing that the people of Israel could return from exile (2 Chronicles 36:17–21; Ezra 2:1) was a dream come true. This unlikely restoration showed the nations outside of Israel how the Lord was working for their good.

Psalm 126:4 asks the Lord to continue blessing the restoration of Israel and Jerusalem (Psalm 126:1–3). When Israel was allowed to return from captivity in Babylon (Ezra 2:1), many stayed behind. The psalmist seems to be asking for a surge of Israelites resembling the way dry desert streams would gush during the rainy seasons.

Psalm 126:5–6 closes the song with a metaphor of sowing and reaping. It will be difficult for Israel to rebuild the nation and the city of Jerusalem. It will also be hard to bring back those Israelites who chose to remain in Babylon after being freed to go back to the Promised Land. But hard work now results in a better harvest later.

Chapter Summary:

Learning that they could return to the Promised Land (2 Chronicles 36:17–21) would have been incredible news for Israel. It seemed too good to be true. Yet God's work was being seen by the entire world. The psalmist prays for the Lord to continue restoring the people. This would have included those who chose to remain in Babylon.

Chapter Context:

This is a "song of ascent," sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of three annual festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Psalm 126 seems inspired by Israel's return from exile in Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:17–21; Ezra 2:1). A few scholars suggest a connection to the thwarted siege of Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:32–36). The psalmist celebrates what God has done. Yet he also prays to bring all the people of Israel back to the Promised Land.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 9:55:31 AM