GOD THE RESTORER
Key verse: 4
NIV
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the Lord restored(A) the fortunes of[a] Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,(B)
our tongues with songs of joy.(C)
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things(D) for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things(E) for us,
and we are filled with joy.(F)
Footnotes
- Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to
- Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
- Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives
Cross references
- Psalm 126:1 : Ezr 1:1-3; Ps 85:1; Hos 6:11
- Psalm 126:2 : S Ge 21:6
- Psalm 126:2 : S Job 8:21; S Ps 65:8
- Psalm 126:2 : S Dt 10:21; Ps 71:19; Lk 1:49
- Psalm 126:3 : Ps 106:21; Joel 2:21, 26
- Psalm 126:3 : S Ps 9:2; 16:11
- Psalm 126:4 : S Dt 30:3
- Psalm 126:4 : S Ps 107:35; Isa 43:19; 51:3
- Psalm 126:5 : Ps 6:6; 80:5; Jer 50:4
- Psalm 126:5 : Gal 6:9
- Psalm 126:5 : Ps 16:11; 20:5; 23:6; Isa 35:10; 51:11; 60:15; 61:7; Jer 31:6-7, 12
- Psalm 126:6 : S Nu 25:6; S Ps 30:5
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord
A Song of (A)Ascents.126 When the Lord (B)restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who (C)dream.
2 Then our (D)mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
(E)“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 (F)Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
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126 When the Lord (B)restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who (C)dream.
2 Then our (D)mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
(E)“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 (F)Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
The Psalmist recalls a time of great joy in the past when God restored the fortunes of his people—probably when he brought them back from the Babylonian captivity. They were so happy it felt like they were dreaming! (1-3) Sometimes, when we have had a long period of struggle, we can feel like restoration isn’t possible. But God can and does restore his people. If God could bring Israel back from exile in a distant country, he can restore us as well. When we take time to remember a joyful time when God restored us before, our faith can be renewed and we can remember that God intends to give us joy.
In fact, this Psalm was written when things were difficult for Israel; there were many tears flowing in the land (4-5). The Psalmist prays earnestly for God to restore them again. Through his people’s suffering, he received a great spiritual insight: When our tears go up to God as prayer, they are actually sowing the seeds of great joy in the future (6).
Prayer: Father, thank you the joyful restoration you have given me, especially my salvation in Jesus. Help me sow prayer patiently in times of suffering and believe in your restoring power.
One Word: Sow in tears; reap in joy.
