G2/7 Q 1-. Distress.
R -1. Its ending. As dreams.
S 2,3. Joy.
Q 4-. Distress.
R -4. Its ending. As streams.
S 5,6. Joy.
Psalm 126)
1 When the LORD turned the fortunes of Zion, (This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing. See Job 42:10 and Ezek. 16:53 and 55, where it is 3 times explained as "return to your former estate".)
We were like them that dream. (The reference is to the walking in 2 Kings 19:35. Isa. 37:36. The illustration is in Luke 24:41. Acts 12:9 [603 B.C.])
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing: (I.e. the songs of Isa. 38:20.)
Then was it said among the nations, (The reference is to 2 Chron. 32:22,23.)
The LORD has done great things for them.
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
Whereof we are glad.
4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,
As the torrents in the Negev. (Were, in the hill-country of Judea the torrents are turned about in their beds between and in the gorges. the rock)
5 They that sow in tears (the reference is to the "sign" given in Isa. 37:30) shall reap in joy.
6 He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.