Psalm 126:1-6

... in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.  Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.  Amen.  Glory to You, our God, Glory to You.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, You are everywhere and fill all things, Treasury of blessings, and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (three times).

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it is now, was in the beginning, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Psalm 126:1-6[1]

A Song of Ascent.

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, our tongue with singing.  Then they said among the heathen, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us.  We are glad.  Turn again our captivity, Lord, as the streams in the south.  Those who sow in tears, shall reap in joy.  He who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].[2]

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[1] The setting of the Psalm fits against the history of return from the Babylonian Captivity around 516 BC.  On the other hand it anticipates the return of God’s Glory to Zion, which will not take place until 4 BC.

Their joy was so great that they were like those caught in a dream; the surrounding nations were so impressed with the loudness of their laughter and singing that all of them took notice of these events.  Ezra and Nehemiah fill in the details, some of which were less than joyous.

The psalmist sets this joyous celebration as a response to the heathen observations, though it is in reality their overture.  Sowing in tears, weeping, planting, and bearing sheaves are more than rejoicing over a good first harvest.  They speak of going up to Jerusalem for one of the three major feasts, making their sacrifice with praise to Yahweh.  In the same way today, the people of God bring their gifts, which Yahweh receives and joins with their Communion, the Communion of His Christ.

[2] If you have been blessed or helped by any of these meditations, please repost, share, or use any of them as you wish.  No rights are reserved.  They are designed and intended for your free participation.  They were freely received, and are freely given.  No other permission is required for their use.