Psalms 126:3

Commentary on Psalms 126:3 (KJV)

Psalms 126:3 declares, "The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad." This verse is a heartfelt declaration of praise and joy, acknowledging God's powerful intervention in the lives of His people.

Context

Psalm 126 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for festivals. This particular psalm likely reflects the profound relief and joy of the Jewish exiles returning from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah. The preceding verses (Psalms 126:1-2) describe their initial, almost unbelievable, return, which felt like a dream, prompting even the surrounding nations to acknowledge God's work. Verse 3 solidifies this recognition, echoing the sentiment of the world but making it a personal testimony of the restored community.

Key Themes

• Divine Intervention and Providence: The central message is that God Himself, the LORD (Yahweh), is the active agent behind their deliverance and prosperity. It is not by human might or planning, but by God's direct and powerful hand, that "great things" have been accomplished. This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in keeping His promises.
• Gratitude and Remembrance: The verse is a powerful expression of gratitude, born from remembering God's past acts of salvation. It encourages believers to look back at God's faithfulness, fostering a thankful heart for His tangible blessings and miraculous interventions.
• Joy and Gladness: The natural and overwhelming response to God's goodness is profound joy. The phrase "whereof we are glad" signifies a deep, heartfelt rejoicing that stems directly from experiencing God's mighty works. This joy is not fleeting but rooted in the certainty of God's character and actions.
• Testimony: By publicly declaring "The LORD hath done great things for us," the psalm serves as a testimony to God's power, not only among themselves but also to the nations, reinforcing the truth expressed in Psalm 126:2.

Linguistic Insights

• "Great things" (גָּדֹל, gadol): The Hebrew word gadol signifies something large, mighty, significant, or magnificent. It emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's deeds, which were far beyond human capability or expectation, such as the return from Babylonian captivity.
• "Glad" (שָׂמֵחַ, sameach): This word denotes a deep, inner joy and delight, often expressed outwardly. It's a comprehensive gladness that encompasses the spirit, soul, and body, arising from a profound sense of well-being and God's favor.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless encouragement for believers today:

• Remember God's Faithfulness: In times of difficulty or waiting, we are called to remember and declare God's past interventions in our lives and in history. Reflecting on God's "great things" can strengthen our faith and provide hope for the future.
• Cultivate Gratitude: Acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, big and small, fosters a spirit of continuous gratitude. This perspective shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided.
• Embrace Joy in the Lord: Despite present challenges, we can find joy in the Lord because His character and past actions are unchanging. This spiritual joy is a strength that transcends circumstances, as seen in Nehemiah 8:10.
• Share Your Testimony: Like the psalmists, we are called to share what God has done for us. Our personal testimonies of God's "great things" can inspire faith in others and bring glory to His name.