Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

The Lord has done great things for us. We are filled with joyPsalm 126

Copyrighted material that appears in this article is included under the provisions of the Fair Use Clause of the National Copyright Act, which allows limited reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational and religious use when no financial charge is made for viewing. Catholic Lectionary. (2009). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

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A Song of Ascents.When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then we thought we were dreaming.2 Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, The LORD had done great things for them.3 The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were!4 Restore again our fortunes, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.6 Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.

Fifteen psalms, chapters 120-134 of the Book of Psalms, begin with the words, "A song of ascents.What do we mean by A song of ascents, well there are a number of meanings.In the Temple courtyard, there was a wide stairway that consisted of fifteen large, semi-circular steps that "ascended" into the inner section of the courtyard. The Levites, whose job it was to accompany the Temple servicewith song and instrumental music, would stand on these steps and sing these fifteen psalms.Another view is that these psalms were sung by the Jews who ascended from Babylon to Israel in the times of Ezra the Scribe which would be about the time that this particular psalm was written.Another explanation is that these psalms were sung by Jews as they ascend the mountain top on which Jerusalem and Temple were located.

we were dreaming, v. 1After being held captive in Babylon, Cyrus the Gentile Persian king allowed the Jews who were willing to return to Jerusalem to worship their God and rebuild their temple.His granting permission to leave must have seemed like a dream to the Jews.On our way to the confessional dont you feel like a captive to your sins?And when you leave the confessional doesnt it feel like a dream ?You are free of your captivity of sin and are restored to friendship with God.restored the fortunes of Zion, (v.1) prior to the captivity people were living well in Israel, now they would have to begin again and work hard just to get back to where they were prior to the captivity.Then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. (v. 2)

Receiving their freedom so suddenly and at the hands of a Gentile king, all nations must have agreed that the God of Israel had great power.Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy! (v. 5)This means that the people who are suffering, in pain, and crying due to lifes circumstances will find joy when God enters their lives to alleviate their suffering.