Psalms 126

A harvest psalm of joy after captivity turned to laughter.

Psalms 126 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy

Psalm 126 recalls a moment so joyful it felt unreal, "we were like them that dream," as the Lord reversed Zion's captivity and filled the people's mouths with laughter and singing. This short psalm sits between Psalms 125's picture of settled trust and a fresh plea for continued restoration.


Cántico gradual. CUANDO Jehová hiciere tornar la cautividad de Sión, seremos como los que sueñan.

Entonces nuestra boca se henchirá de risa, y nuestra lengua de alabanza; entonces dirán entre las gentes: Grandes cosas ha hecho Jehová con éstos.

Grandes cosas ha hecho Jehová con nosotros; estaremos alegres.

Haz volver nuestra cautividad, oh Jehová, como los arroyos en el austro.

Los que sembraron con lágrimas, con regocijo segarán.

Irá andando y llorando el que lleva la preciosa simiente; mas volverá á venir con regocijo, trayendo sus gavillas.

Its closing image, sowing in tears but reaping in joy, gives <a href="/bible/sparv/psalms/chapter-126/5">Psalms 126:5</a> its lasting resonance and anticipates the New Testament encouragement of <a href="/bible/sparv/galatians/chapter-6/9">Galatians 6:9</a> not to grow weary in doing good. Read next in <a href="/bible/sparv/psalms/chapter-127">Psalms 127</a>, which turns from harvest to household.