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Commentary on Psalms 126 verses 1–3
While the people of Israel were captives in Babylon their harps were hung upon the willow-trees, for then God called to weeping and mourning, then he mourned unto them and they lamented; but now that their captivity is turned they resume their harps; Providence pipes to them, and they dance. Thus must we accommodate ourselves to all the dispensations of Providence and be suitably affected with them. And the harps are never more melodiously tunable than after such a melancholy disuse. The long want of mercies greatly sweetens their return. Here is, 1. The deliverance God has wrought for them: He turned again the captivity of Zion. It is possible that Zion may be in captivity for the punishment of her degeneracy, but her captivity shall be turned again when the end is answered and the work designed by it is effected. Cyrus, for reasons of state, proclaimed liberty to God's captives, and yet it was the Lord's doing, according to his word many years before. God sent them into captivity, not as dross is put into the fire to be consumed, but as gold to be refined. Observe, The release of Israel is called the turning again of the captivity of Zion, the holy hill, where God's tabernacle and dwelling-place were; for the restoring of their sacred interests, and the reviving of the public exercise of their religion, were the most valuable advantages of their return out of captivity. 2. The pleasing surprise that this was to them. They were amazed at it; it came so suddenly that at first they were in confusion, not knowing what to make of it, nor what it was tending to: "We thought ourselves like men that dream; we thought it too good news to be true, and began to question whether we were well awake or no, and whether it was not still" (as sometimes it had been to the prophets) "only a representation of it in vision," as St. Peter for a while thought his deliverance was, Act 12:9. Sometimes the people of God are thus prevented with the blessings of his goodness before they are aware. We were like those that are recovered to health (so Dr. Hammond reads it); "such a comfortable happy change it was to us, as life from the dead or sudden ease from exquisite pain; we thought ourselves in a new world." And the surprise of it put them into such an ecstasy and transport of joy that they could scarcely contain themselves within the bounds of decency in the expressions of it: Our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing. Thus they gave vent to their joy, gave glory to their God, and gave notice to all about them what wonders God had wrought for them. Those that were laughed at now laugh and a new song is put into their mouths. It was a laughter of joy in God, not scorn of their enemies. 3. The notice which their neighbours took of it: They said among the heathen, Jehovah, the God of Israel, has done great things for that people, such as our gods cannot do for us. The heathen had observed their calamity and had triumphed in it, Jer 22:8, Jer 22:9; Psa 137:7. Now they could not but observe their deliverance and admire that. It put a reputation upon those that had been scorned and despised, and made them look considerable; besides, it turned greatly to the honour of God, and extorted from those that set up other gods in competition with him an acknowledgment of his wisdom, power, and providence. 4. The acknowledgments which they themselves made of it, Psa 126:3. The heathen were but spectators, and spoke of it only as matter of news; they had no part nor lot in the matter; but the people of God spoke of it as sharers in it, (1.) With application: "He has done great things for us, things that we are interested in and have advantage by." Thus it is comfortable speaking of the redemption Christ has wrought out as wrought out for us. Who loved me, and gave himself for me. (2.) With affection: "Whereof we are glad. The heathen are amazed at it, and some of them angry, but we are glad." While Israel went a whoring from their God joy was forbidden them (Hos 9:1); but now that the iniquity of Jacob was purged by the captivity, and their sin taken away, now God makes them to rejoice. It is the repenting reforming people that are, and shall be, the rejoicing people. Observe here, [1.] God's appearances for his people are to be looked upon as great things. [2.] God is to be eyed as the author of all the great things done for the church. [3.] It is good to observe how the church's deliverances are for us, that we may rejoice in them.
"Yea, the Lord has done great things for us already, whereof we rejoice" [Psalm 126:3]. Consider, my brethren, if Sion does not at present say this among the heathen, throughout the whole world; consider if men are not running unto the Church. In the whole world our redemption is received; Amen is answered. The dwellers in Jerusalem, therefore, captive, destined to return, pilgrims, sighing for their country, speak thus among the heathen. What do they say? "The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we rejoice." Have they done anything for themselves? They have done ill with themselves, for they have sold themselves under sin. The Redeemer came, and did the good things for them.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 126:3 is a jubilant and profound declaration of gratitude, serving as the heartfelt testimony of God's people who have experienced His miraculous intervention. It acknowledges that the extraordinary blessings and deliverance they have received are solely the work of the Sovereign Lord, evoking an overwhelming sense of gladness and prompting a public proclamation of His magnificent deeds. This verse encapsulates the joy of a community witnessing divine faithfulness and power.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Declaration, serving as a direct and emphatic statement of truth, reinforcing the certainty of God's actions and the community's response. The use of the divine name Yahweh (LORD) functions as a specific Referent, grounding the "great things" in the character and covenant faithfulness of Israel's God. The phrase "great things" itself is an example of Hyperbole or Emphasis, underscoring the extraordinary, almost unbelievable, scale of God's intervention, particularly the return from exile, which felt "like we were dreaming" as stated in Psalm 126:1. This emphasizes the divine, rather than human, origin of their deliverance. Finally, the verse exhibits Cause and Effect, where God's action ("hath done great things for us") is the direct cause of the people's emotional state ("whereof we are glad"), illustrating the profound and transforming impact of divine grace on human experience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 126:3 powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth: God is the primary actor in the history of salvation. The "great things" He performs are not merely historical events but demonstrations of His unchanging character—His sovereignty, faithfulness, and benevolent power. This verse connects deeply with the biblical narrative of a God who intervenes decisively on behalf of His people, from the Exodus to the return from exile, and ultimately, in the person and work of Christ. It establishes a pattern of divine initiative followed by human response of joy and worship, teaching us that true gladness is rooted in acknowledging God's active presence and mighty deeds in our lives and in the world. This recognition fosters a spirit of gratitude that transforms perspective and strengthens faith, even when current circumstances might seem bleak, reminding believers that God's power is always at work for their good.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 126:3 offers timeless encouragement and a profound call to remembrance and gratitude for believers today. In a world often consumed by anxieties and challenges, this verse invites us to pause and intentionally recall the "great things" the Lord has done—both in the grand sweep of redemptive history and in the intimate details of our personal lives. Whether it's deliverance from a difficult situation, provision in a time of need, spiritual growth, or simply the daily mercies we often overlook, God's hand is continually at work. Cultivating a habit of remembering and declaring His faithfulness transforms our perspective, shifting our focus from what is lacking to the abundance of His grace. This grateful remembrance is not passive; it fuels a deep, abiding joy that transcends circumstances, empowering us to face future trials with hope and confidence, knowing that the God who has acted powerfully in the past remains faithful to act again. Our gladness becomes a testimony, both to ourselves and to a watching world, of the living God who continues to do great things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is it important to declare that "The LORD hath done great things for us" rather than just thinking it?
Answer: Declaring God's great deeds, as seen in Psalms 126:3, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it solidifies our own faith and remembrance; speaking truth reinforces it in our hearts and minds. Secondly, it serves as a powerful communal act of worship and thanksgiving, uniting believers in shared gratitude and strengthening their collective identity in God. Thirdly, it acts as a public testimony to the world, demonstrating God's active presence and power, as noted in Psalm 126:2. This public proclamation brings glory to God and can inspire faith in others, fulfilling the call to be His witnesses as seen in Acts 1:8.
How does the "gladness" mentioned in this verse differ from worldly happiness?
Answer: The "gladness" (sâmêach) in Psalms 126:3 is a deep, spiritual joy rooted in the recognition of God's mighty and faithful acts, particularly His deliverance and restoration. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances or material possessions, this biblical gladness is an inner state of rejoicing that stems from a secure relationship with God and an understanding of His unchanging character. It is a joy that can persist even amidst trials, knowing that God is sovereign and good. This is echoed in Nehemiah 8:10, where the joy of the Lord is presented as a source of strength, not merely an emotion, but a foundational aspect of spiritual well-being.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 126:3 celebrates God's "great things" in the context of Israel's return from Babylonian exile, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The greatest "great thing" the Lord has done for humanity is the redemption accomplished through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Through Him, God has delivered us from the ultimate captivity of sin and death, bringing us into a new covenant of grace and eternal life, a gift far surpassing any earthly return from exile, as Romans 6:23 declares. The joy and gladness expressed by the exiles returning to Jerusalem foreshadow the immeasurable joy of those who are reconciled to God through faith in Christ, becoming citizens of His heavenly kingdom, as described in Philippians 3:20. Just as the return from exile was a new beginning for Israel, Christ's resurrection inaugurates a new creation, offering spiritual restoration and a living hope to all who believe, a transformation beautifully articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, our declaration, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad," finds its fullest and most glorious meaning in the Gospel, celebrating the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and promises a future where all tears will be wiped away in His eternal presence (Revelation 21:4).