Psalms 126:1
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Study Note
Study Note
The dream-like quality of God's restoration of Zion's fortunes — 'we were like those who dream' — captures the almost unbelievable experience of return from exile. The psalm is historically anchored in the experience of return from Babylonian exile while simultaneously functioning as a prayer for complete restoration (126:4-6), suggesting the return only partially fulfilled the hope. The movement from past remembrance (126:1-3) to present petition (126:4-6) models a spirituality that refuses to be content with partial fulfillment while also using past mercies as grounds for further hope. The image of weeping sowers who return with shouts of joy (126:5-6) has shaped missionary and pastoral theology about the relationship between present suffering and future harvest.
Other Translations
When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.
A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back <FI>to<Fi> the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.
When the Lord made a change in Zion's fate, we were like men in a dream.
Cross References
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of …
All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up …
If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my …
And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice …
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, …
Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.