psalm-126:2-niv

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:2

Signs of joy. Polybius, in describing the joy of the Greeks when unexpectedly rescued from the Macedonians, says, "Most of the men could scarcely believe the news, but imagined themselves in a dream as they listened to what was said, so extraordinary and miraculous it seemed to them." I. JOY AND GLADNESS MAY BE FITTING RESPONSE TO CIRCUMSTANCES . There is a natural and proper response to every set of conditions in which we are placed. We need never restrain those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 126:2-3

Our joy in God a witness for God. "Then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them." The estimate which surrounding nations would form of them and of their circumstances was always a matter of interest and importance to Israel. From the first it was understood that the honor of Jehovah was bound up with the prosperity of this people. It is possible to fix our thoughts too entirely on the exclusiveness and the isolation of Israel, and on its mission as the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter - Then were we happy; completely happy. See Job 8:21.And our tongue with singing - We expressed our joy in songs - the natural expression of joy. Young converts - those “turned” from sin to God - sing. Their feelings find expression in the songs of Zion. This is natural; this is proper; this will occur when sinners are converted. An assemblage of young converts is always a happy assemblage; a place where there is a “revival” of religion is always a happy... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 126:2

Psalms 126:2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter We thought ourselves in a new world, and the surprise of it put us into such an ecstasy and transport of joy, that we could scarcely contain ourselves within the bounds of decency in the expressions of it; and our mouth with singing We gave vent to our joy, by singing hymns and songs of praise to God, and thus gave notice to all about us, what wonders God had wrought for us. Then said they among the heathen Who had observed our... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 126:1-6

Psalms 125-128 Lessons from JerusalemAs the worshippers journey towards Jerusalem, they recall some of the varied experiences that the city has passed through. They see these as typical of the experiences of God’s people as a whole. Believers are like Jerusalem in that they are completely secure and fully protected (125:1-2). Although Jerusalem sometimes came under the rule of its enemies, God never allowed these enemies to control it for long, in case God’s people lost their devotion to him... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 126:2

singing: i.e. the songs of Isaiah 38:20 . said they = was it said. heathen = nations. The reference is to 2 Chronicles 32:22 , 2 Chronicles 32:23 . The LORD hath done great things. Figure of speech Anadiplosis ( App-6 ), because the phrase is repeated at the beginning of the next verse. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 126:2

Psalms 126:2. Then was our mouth, &c.— From that moment was, &c. From that moment said they, &c. i.e. "Never before would we indulge any joy; never before would the heathen, the Babylonians, acknowledge that God had done, &c." read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 126:1-3

1. Praise for the return 126:1-3The psalmist recalled initial impressions following return to the land, which God had effected. The returned captives felt as though they were only dreaming that they were back in their homeland. They evidently did not expect to see it. They were happy and praised God for His goodness to them as they spoke with non-Israelites. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 126:1-6

Psalms 126This community lament psalm of ascent appears to date from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. The writer rejoiced in the Israelites’ return to the land (sometime after 538 B.C.) but prayed for a complete restoration. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 126:1-6

A song of those who have been redeemed (from exile), and a hopeful prayer for those who have not yet returned.1. Turned again the captivity of Zion] either, brought back the exiles who returned to Zion, or, turned again the fortunes of Zion, i.e. perhaps, set her free from foreign yoke.4. Turn again our captivity] perhaps, ’bring back the exiles.’ As the streams in the south] i.e. like the hill streams in the arid S. land of Judah (the Negeb), dry for a time in summer but becoming suddenly... read more