Psalm 126

When the LORD brought back the captivity of 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, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126

It is thought that the 16 Psalms, beginning at Psalm 120 and continuing to Psalm 135, originated in their compilation with Hezekiah and the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians found in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 38 as the people were facing sure death. Yet at just the right time, the Lord sent His angel to deliver the city, and in one night, 185,000 Assyrian troops surrounding the city died, and the people were set free indeed. Others see this song being written by the remnant who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity.

In any event, these songs were sung by pilgrims in the years that followed as they headed up to Jerusalem for the feasts, and this collection of psalms became known as the “songs of ascent” as the people climbed out of the valleys up to Jerusalem and sang of God’s deliverance that left them “as those that dream.”

I read them and think of my salvation, how God miraculously delivered me from sin and death. It still boggles my mind! I am saved, forgiven, and promised eternal life. Songs indeed, I sing them every day.

Whistling while I work,
Pastor Jack Abeelen