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.


> When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, We were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, \"Yahweh has done great things for them.\"

Yahweh has done great things for us, And we are glad.

Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, Like the streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, Will assuredly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

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