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Psalms 126:1

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¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609}. When the LORD {H3068} turned again {H7725} the captivity {H7870} of Zion {H6726}, we were like them that dream {H2492}.

A song of ascents: When ADONAI restored Tziyon's fortunes, we thought we were dreaming.

When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.

When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.

Commentary

Psalm 126:1 is a powerful verse expressing the overwhelming joy and surprise of the Israelites upon their return from exile. It captures the moment when God's long-awaited restoration felt almost too good to be true, like a dream.

Context

This psalm is one of the fifteen "Songs of degrees" (or "Songs of Ascents"), likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. Psalm 126 specifically looks back to the return of the Jewish people from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. The phrase "turned again the captivity of Zion" refers to God's gracious act of bringing His people back to their homeland and restoring Jerusalem (Zion) after its destruction. This return was a monumental event, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating God's faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Restoration: The central theme is God's powerful act of restoring His people from a state of bondage and exile.
  • Divine Intervention: The verse emphasizes that it was the LORD (Yahweh) who brought about this change, highlighting His sovereign control over history and the fate of His people.
  • Overwhelming Joy: The feeling described – "like them that dream" – conveys a sense of disbelief mixed with immense joy and wonder at the magnitude of God's work.
  • Faithfulness of God: The return from exile was a tangible demonstration that God keeps His promises, even after long periods of discipline.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "like them that dream" is kecholmim (כְּחֹלְמִים). It vividly portrays the surreal, almost unbelievable nature of their experience. After decades of hardship and hopelessness in exile, the reality of freedom and return felt as astonishing and unexpected as a dream suddenly coming true.

Reflection

Psalm 126:1 speaks to the incredible ways God can work in our lives. Sometimes, when God brings about restoration, healing, or deliverance, it can feel sudden and overwhelming, almost too good to be real. This verse encourages us to recognize God's hand in such moments and to embrace the joy that comes from His unexpected blessings. It reminds us that God's power and faithfulness can exceed our wildest expectations, doing "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 6:11 (23 votes)

    Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

  • Joel 3:1 (16 votes)

    ¶ For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

  • Jeremiah 31:8 (13 votes)

    Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

  • Jeremiah 31:10 (13 votes)

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

  • Psalms 85:1 (13 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

  • Acts 12:9 (12 votes)

    And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

  • Psalms 120:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.