Psalms 126:2

KJV

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then was our mouth {H6310} filled {H4390} with laughter {H7814}, and our tongue {H3956} with singing {H7440}: then said {H559} they among the heathen {H1471}, The LORD {H3068} hath done {H6213} great things {H1431} for them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our mouths were full of laughter, and our tongues shouted for joy. Among the nations it was said, "ADONAI has done great things for them!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

American Standard Version

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 126:2 captures the overwhelming, spontaneous joy of the Jewish exiles upon their miraculous return from Babylonian captivity. It describes a scene where the sheer magnitude of God's restorative work was so profound that it evoked uncontrollable laughter and singing from the repatriated people, a joy so evident and undeniable that even the surrounding pagan nations recognized it as a magnificent act of the Lord, testifying to His power and faithfulness. This verse stands as a vibrant testament to divine intervention, transforming deep sorrow into exuberant celebration and serving as a public declaration of God's sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 126 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), psalms traditionally sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This particular psalm is a communal song of thanksgiving and hope, reflecting on a past great deliverance while also looking forward to future restoration. Verse 2 immediately follows [Psalms 126:1](/psalms/126-1 "Psalms 126:1 - The Return from Captivity"), which sets the stage by describing the return from captivity as being "like them that dream"—a surreal, almost unbelievable experience. Verse 2 then vividly portrays the immediate, visceral, and effusive reaction to this dream becoming a reality, emphasizing the profound emotional impact of God's intervention. The psalm then shifts in [Psalms 126:3-6](/psalms/126-3 "Psalms 126:3-6 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy") to a prayer for ongoing restoration and a metaphor of sowing in tears to reap in joy, grounding the historical joy in present realities and future hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 126:2 is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, primarily following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BCE (referenced in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree")). For seventy years, as prophesied by [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"), the people of Judah had endured the devastation of their land and the humiliation of exile, their temple destroyed and their national identity threatened. This period was marked by profound sorrow and longing for Zion, as poignantly expressed in [Psalms 137](/psalms/137 "Psalms 137 - By the Rivers of Babylon"). The return was not a swift, easy process but a difficult journey back to a desolate homeland, requiring immense faith and perseverance to rebuild. The "heathen" or "nations" (Hebrew: *goyim*) refers to the surrounding pagan peoples who had witnessed Israel's downfall and now observed their unexpected restoration. Their acknowledgment of "The LORD hath done great things for them" highlights the public, undeniable nature of God's mighty hand at work, serving as a powerful testimony to His sovereignty even among those who did not worship Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores **Overwhelming Joy and Relief**, portraying a spontaneous and uncontainable outburst of emotion that transcends mere happiness, reflecting a deep-seated relief after generations of suffering and longing for their homeland. This joy is a direct contrast to the weeping and lamentation that characterized the exile, as seen in [Psalms 137:1](/psalms/137-1 "Psalms 137:1 - By the Rivers of Babylon"). Secondly, the verse explicitly attributes this restoration to **Divine Intervention and Restoration**. The phrase "The LORD hath done great things for them" is a clear affirmation that their liberation was not a political accident or human achievement, but a miraculous act of God, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's disobedience. This highlights God's sovereign power to reverse seemingly irreversible circumstances. Lastly, and significantly, the verse emphasizes **Witness to the Nations**. The fact that "they among the heathen" recognized God's hand in Israel's deliverance means that God's redemptive work for His people served as a compelling, undeniable testimony to His power and glory to those outside the covenant community, fulfilling a broader biblical theme of Israel being a light to the nations, as envisioned in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light for the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **צְחוֹק (Hebrew, _tsechoq'_):** This noun, translated "laughter," denotes a deep, genuine, and often joyous mirth. It signifies a spontaneous, uninhibited expression of delight and relief, rather than a mocking or cynical laugh. In this context, it conveys an overflowing, almost unbelievable joy, a physical manifestation of profound emotional release after prolonged sorrow and hardship. It is the sound of a people delivered beyond their wildest expectations.
* **רִנָּה (Hebrew, _rinnah'_):** Translated "singing" or "joyful shout," this word implies an exuberant, ringing cry of joy, often associated with praise, triumph, and celebration. It suggests a vocal outburst of praise and thanksgiving, a collective expression of gratitude that fills the air. Combined with "laughter," it paints a picture of utter elation and a communal outpouring of worship for God's mighty acts.
* **הִגְדִּיל (Hebrew, _higdil'_):** This is the Hiphil perfect form of the verb גָּדַל (*gadal*), meaning "to make great," "to magnify," or "to do great things." In this context, it powerfully conveys the extraordinary, awe-inspiring, and magnificent nature of God's work. It emphasizes that the restoration was not merely significant but truly monumental, far exceeding human capability or expectation, thus demanding recognition as a divine act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was our mouth filled with laughter":** This clause vividly describes the immediate, overwhelming emotional response of the returning exiles. The imagery of a "mouth filled" suggests an abundance, an inability to contain the joy, bursting forth in spontaneous, uninhibited laughter. It speaks to a profound shift from the silence of despair or the sound of weeping to an audible, physical manifestation of delight and relief.
* **"and our tongue with singing":** Parallel to the first clause, this phrase reinforces the theme of exuberant joy through vocal expression. The "tongue with singing" implies a collective, melodic outpouring of praise and thanksgiving. It suggests that the joy was so great it compelled them not just to laugh, but to break into songs of worship, celebrating God's faithfulness and mighty deeds.
* **"then said they among the heathen":** This marks a crucial shift in perspective, introducing the reaction of the surrounding non-Israelite nations. The "heathen" (or *goyim*) are the observers, those who had witnessed Israel's downfall and now saw their unexpected restoration. Their observation is significant because it validates the divine nature of the event from an external, unbiased viewpoint.
* **"The LORD hath done great things for them":** This is the declaration made by the heathen, acknowledging the source and magnitude of Israel's deliverance. It is a powerful theological statement, affirming that the restoration was not a mere coincidence or political maneuver, but a direct, undeniable act of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This external recognition served to magnify God's name and power among the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 126:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing," which is an exaggeration used to emphasize the overwhelming, uncontainable nature of the exiles' joy. This is further enhanced by **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "mouth filled with laughter" and "tongue with singing" express the same idea of exuberant vocal rejoicing through different but complementary images, reinforcing the intensity of their emotion. The psalm also utilizes **Testimony** or **Witness**, as the "heathen" serve as external observers who validate God's work, lending credibility and universal significance to the divine intervention. The declaration "The LORD hath done great things for them" functions as a form of **Apostrophe** or direct address to the divine, acknowledging God's active hand. Finally, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the laments of exile (e.g., [Psalms 137](/psalms/137 "Psalms 137 - By the Rivers of Babylon")), highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortune from weeping to laughter, emphasizing God's power to transform sorrow into joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 126:2 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's sovereign power to restore and redeem, even from seemingly impossible circumstances. It underscores that divine intervention is not only for the benefit of His people but also for the revelation of His glory to the world. The exiles' joy is a direct consequence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He remembers His people and acts decisively on their behalf. This public display of God's "great things" serves as a universal testimony, inviting both believers and unbelievers to acknowledge His unmatched power and goodness. It reminds us that God's redemptive acts often have a dual purpose: to bless His people and to declare His name among the nations.

* [Isaiah 52:9](/isaiah/52-9 "Isaiah 52:9 - God's Redemption of Zion")
* [Job 8:21](/job/8-21 "Job 8:21 - God Fills with Laughter and Joy")
* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 126:2 is a profound invitation to recognize and celebrate the "great things" God has done in our lives, both personally and communally. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to allow our joy in God's faithfulness to be a visible, audible testimony to the world around us. Just as the returning exiles experienced a "dream-like" restoration, we too can look for God's hand in turning our periods of "sowing in tears" into seasons of "reaping with joy." This verse encourages us to remember past deliverances, allowing them to fuel our hope in present difficulties and future promises. Our laughter and singing become not just expressions of personal happiness, but acts of worship that declare God's power and goodness, drawing others to inquire about the source of such profound and resilient joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a "dream-like" restoration or breakthrough in your life, and how did you respond?**
* **How can your joy in God's faithfulness serve as a powerful and authentic testimony to those who do not yet know Him?**
* **What "great things" has the Lord done in your life or community recently that call for expressions of laughter and singing?**
* **In what ways might we, like the exiles, need to shift our perspective from lament to celebration, trusting God's restorative power?**

### FAQ
**Why is the recognition by "the heathen" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The recognition by "the heathen" (or surrounding nations) is profoundly significant because it underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the public nature of His redemptive acts. It means that God's work for Israel was so undeniable and miraculous that even those outside of the covenant community, who did not worship Yahweh, were compelled to acknowledge His hand. This serves as an external validation of God's power, demonstrating that His glory is not confined to His chosen people but is revealed to all nations. It foreshadows the broader biblical theme of Israel being a light to the Gentiles, where God's saving acts through His people lead others to recognize and glorify Him, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light for the Nations") and [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among Nations").

**How does this verse relate to the broader "Songs of Ascents"?**

Answer: Psalms 126:2 fits perfectly within the collection of "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134) by embodying themes central to the pilgrim journey to Jerusalem. These psalms often reflect on the struggles and hopes of God's people, culminating in joyous arrival and worship in Zion. Psalms 126, in particular, captures the profound joy of a spiritual and physical return, a "dream-like" restoration that pilgrims would have resonated with, whether literally returning from exile or metaphorically experiencing God's deliverance in their lives. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness, which fuels hope for present and future needs, particularly the longing for complete restoration and blessing as expressed in [Psalms 126:5-6](/psalms/126-5 "Psalms 126:5-6 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy"). The psalm's movement from past joy to present prayer for future restoration is a common characteristic of these pilgrimage songs.

**Is "laughter" always a positive sign in the Bible?**

Answer: While Psalms 126:2 clearly depicts laughter as a positive expression of overwhelming joy and relief, laughter in the Bible can carry various connotations. It can signify joy and blessing, as it does here and in [Job 8:21](/job/8-21 "Job 8:21 - God Fills with Laughter and Joy"). However, it can also represent skepticism (Sarah's laughter at the promise of a child in [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Genesis 18:12 - Sarah's Laughter")), mockery or derision (as seen in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God Laughs at His Enemies") where God laughs at the futile plans of His enemies, or the mocking of Jesus on the cross in [Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - Mocking of Jesus")), or even sorrow (as in [Ecclesiastes 7:3](/ecclesiastes/7-3 "Ecclesiastes 7:3 - Sorrow Better Than Laughter")). The context is crucial for interpreting the meaning of laughter. In Psalms 126:2, the context of miraculous deliverance from long-suffering makes the laughter unequivocally an expression of divine blessing and profound happiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 126:2, with its exuberant declaration of God having "done great things," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The return from Babylonian exile was a magnificent act of God, but it was a partial and temporal restoration. The truly "great thing" God has done for humanity is the redemption offered through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Humanity, alienated from God by sin, was in a spiritual exile far more dire than any physical captivity. Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection provide the ultimate liberation, turning our mourning over sin into the uncontainable joy of salvation, as prophesied by [Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Garment of Praise Instead of Spirit of Heaviness"). The New Testament consistently speaks of the joy that accompanies repentance and faith in Christ, a joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory" ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Inexpressible Joy")). Moreover, just as the "heathen" recognized God's work for Israel, the gospel of Christ is intended to be a witness to all nations ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), prompting people from every tribe and tongue to declare, "The Lord has done great things for us!" The ultimate fulfillment of this psalm's longing for complete restoration and joy awaits the new heavens and new earth, where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more sorrow or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")), and the redeemed will forever be filled with laughter and singing in His presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 8:21

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.

Isaiah 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Zechariah 8:22

Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.

Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.