Psalm 126 – When
Psalm 126 – when, recalls a time of amazement when the Lord worked wonders, then uses that remembrance to provide hope. What else might we learn from this psalm?
Psalm 126
Psalm 126 – when, is the seventh out of fifteen songs of ascents used by pilgrims to Jerusalem. Some posit that pilgrims recited a psalm on each of the fifteen steps leading up to the temple.
It is commonly believed to refer to the return of the Israelites from their exile in Babylon. “The journey back to Jerusalem was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who conquered Babylon in 539 BC.” (Topical Bible: The Journey from Babylon to Jerusalem) A truly wondrous occurrence.
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (1-3)
The people walked as if in a dream. “With power and beauty, the poet described the sense of happy, grateful astonishment at the power and goodness of God in bringing back His people from the captivity of Zion. It seemed too good, too great to be true, but it was true.” Psalm 126 – Enduring Word
It was a wonderful event, with reasons for all, including other nations, to proclaim the wonders of what God had done.
Tears Mingled with Joy
But the next verses reflect the reality of the Hebrew nation’s return. A reality where joy mingles with tears.
“Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” (4-6)
They came back to a Temple destroyed. “We know that the actual return to Jerusalem was a rather difficult and fraught phenomenon. Challenges abounded for those trying to restore Zion and in truth, they never quite achieved it fully.” Psalm 126 – Center for Excellence in Preaching
This mingling of joy and tears is a universal experience that remains relevant across all times. “Life, then and now, is inevitably and simultaneously a matter of joy and sorrow, of triumph and tragedy, of needs met and new needs that constantly arise. If we are honestly self-aware, we know that never is there a time when we do not need to pray, “Restore our fortunes, O LORD” (verse 4).” Commentary on Psalm 126 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
Psalm 126 speaks of the hope that those who sow with tears may reap joy.
When
When is one of the five “W” questions – Who, What, When, Where, and Why. It deals with time. We want to know, when will this happen, or, when did that happen?
There is a sense of time in Scripture that is both/and. The Kingdom of God is both among us now, and something for the future. We see that in this psalm. The return of the exiles is both wondrous, awe-inspiring, and fraught with tears. Not everyone returned. There was much work left to be done to restore the city. So, while the people were happy to be back, they grieved all that was gone and would never be returned. They were restored, but not entirely. They had good reason to pray, restore our fortunes.
There is an eschatological sense in this psalm. The rejoicing of the Israelites on their return to Jerusalem, pales in the face of the joy that awaits us when we reach our heavenly Jerusalem. There will no longer be the mingling of joy and tears. There will only be rejoicing. It truly will be a dream!
“The significance of time in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing creation, human existence, divine providence, eschatology, and eternity. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, the importance of living wisely, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.” Topical Bible: The Significance of Time
Psalm 126 – When
Psalm 126 – when, is a beautiful psalm for all generations. There will be times when God “knocks our socks off” with God’s awesomeness. There will also be times of tears. All is part of God’s time, until such time that we return to our God in heaven.
What has been your experience of God’s time? Name some beautiful “whens” in your life.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 126: Great Expectations – Patricia M Robertson and Psalm 126: Through the Cross to Resurrection – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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