Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 126

1 WHen the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion , we were like them that dream .

i. e. Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land.

We were so surprised and astonished with the report of such a favour, that we could not believe our own eyes and ears, but thought it to be but a dream or delusion of our own fancies; as is usual in matters of great joy, as Gen. 45. 26. Luke 24. 11. Acts 12. 9.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. returns [illegible: 1+ letters]taning of [illegible: 1 word] ▪

2 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 .

They did and well might wonder at it, that an Heathen Emperor should of his own meer motion shew so much kindness to so hateful and despicable a people as the Jews were.

Marginal references: Job 8. 21.; Heb. hath [illegible: 1 word] to do with them. [illegible: 1 word] ▪ 33 3. & 113. 5.

4 Turn again our captivity , O LORD, as the streams of the south .

As thou hast brought us home, bring home also the rest of our brethren who are dispersed and yet remain captives in Babylon, or in any other parts of the world.

As thou art pleased sometimes to send flouds of water into dry and barren grounds, such as the Southern parts of Canaan and the parts adjacent were; which is an act of thy great power and goodness; and no less will this reduction of thy people be, and no less shall we rejoyce in it, and bless God for it.

5 They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy .

This is an argument wherewith he presseth the foregoing prayer, v. 4. taken from the common course of Gods providence towards men of all nations, to whom he affords vicissitudes of sorrow and comfort, and particularly towards husbandmen, who though oft-times they sow their seed corn with care and fear and sorrow, yet afterwards for the most part meet with a joyful harvest. And therefore we hope thou wilt not deny this favour to thine own people. And as thou hast in some good measure granted it to us, so we pray thee grant it to our brethren, who are yet exercised with hard labours and griefs, that they and we together may at last obtain that blessed and full harvest which we still pray and hope for.

Marginal references: See Jer. 31. 9, &c.; Or, singing.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth , bearing precious seed , shall doubtless come again with rejoycing, bringing his sheaves with him.

The husbandman that goeth out into his field, and walketh hither and thither to scatter his seed, as the manner is.

For fear of the loss of his seed, and of a bad harvest.

Seed corn when it is scarce and dear. Or, the basket of seed, as it is rendred in our margent, as also by the Chaldee Paraphrast, and some others.

Heb. coming shall come. Which manner of expression may note either the certainty of the thing, or the frequency and customariness of it. This verse is onely an amplification of the former.

Marginal references: Or, seed-basket.