The Bible — notes and cross-references in Psalms | Interpretation and commentary to chapter 126

126:6¹ seed

Referring, perhaps, to the captives. In a human sense, their captivity in foreign countries was a suffering. In a divine sense, however, it was a sowing through their preaching to the Gentiles concerning God. As a result, a number of Gentiles (sheaves) were brought to God through these captives. This indicates that the captives sowed the seed of the knowledge of God among the heathen. Cf. Ruth 1:16 and note Ruth 1:16².
126:5^b reap

Gal. 6:9
126:5^a tears

Psa. 80:5; cf. Jer. 31:9
126:4¹ again

Although some of the people had returned, many remained in captivity; hence, the psalmist prayed for them.
126:2^1a great

1 Sam. 12:24; Psa. 71:19; Luke 1:49

Psalm 126 is the praise of the returned captives, in their going up to Zion, concerning the great things that Jehovah had done for them.
126:1¹ captivity

Lit., turning; not the same word as in v. 4.
126:1^a turned

Psa. 14:7
126:0^a Song

Psa. 120 title