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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 126:1 When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/126-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_126_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 126:1 - The LORD Has Done Great Things" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/126-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/126-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/126.htm">Chapter 126</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm" title="Psalm 125:5">◄</a> Psalm 126:1 <a href="/psalms/126-2.htm" title="Psalm 126:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/126.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/126.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/126.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/126.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/126.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/126.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/126.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/126.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, We were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/126.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/126.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/126.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When Yahweh returned the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/126.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion (Jerusalem), We were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/126.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/126.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/126.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/126.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It seemed like a dream when the LORD brought us back to the city of Zion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/126.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like unto them that dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/126.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A song for going up to worship.] When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, it was as if we were dreaming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/126.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the LORD brought us back to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/126.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the LORD brought back Zion's exiles, we were like dreamers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/126.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/126.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the well-being of Zion, we thought we were dreaming. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/126.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Song of Ascents.] When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/126.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/126.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/126.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A SONG OF THE ASCENTS. In YHWH’s turning back [to] the captivity of Zion, "" We have been as dreamers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/126.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back to the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/126.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Song of ascensions. In Jehovah turning back the returning of we were as those dreaming.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/126.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When the lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/126.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 125:1>A Canticle in steps. When the Lord turned back the captivity of Zion, we became like those who are consoled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/126.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we thought we were dreaming. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/126.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/126.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />WHEN the LORD brought back the people of Zion from captivity, we were like those that rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/126.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When LORD JEHOVAH reverses the captivity of Zion, we will be like those who rejoice!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/126.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/126.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Song of Degrees. When the Lord turned the captivity of Sion, we became as comforted ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/126-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=16281" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/126.htm">The LORD Has Done Great Things</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song</a> <a href="/hebrew/4609.htm" title="4609: ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Feminine of ma'aleh; elevation, i.e. The act, or the condition; specifically a climactic progression.">of ascents.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God."> When the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: bə·šūḇ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">restored</a> <a href="/hebrew/7870.htm" title="7870: šî·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- Captivity. By permutation from shuwb; a return.">the captives</a> <a href="/hebrew/6726.htm" title="6726: ṣî·yō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in Jer., also a name for Jer. The same as tsiyuwn; Tsijon, a mountain of Jerusalem.">of Zion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yî·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">we were</a> <a href="/hebrew/2492.htm" title="2492: kə·ḥō·lə·mîm (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream. A primitive root; properly, to bind firmly, i.e. to be plump; also to dream.">like dreamers.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Isaiah 51:11</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-18.htm">Jeremiah 30:18</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-7.htm">Jeremiah 31:7-9</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’ / Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! / They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-43.htm">Nehemiah 12:43</a></span><br />On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-10.htm">Job 42:10</a></span><br />After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-10.htm">Isaiah 35:10</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-14.htm">Jeremiah 29:14</a></span><br />I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will restore you to the place from which I sent you into exile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/3-20.htm">Zephaniah 3:20</a></span><br />At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you. For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your captives before your very eyes,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/3-1.htm">Joel 3:1</a></span><br />“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Acts 12:11</a></span><br />Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Luke 1:68-75</a></span><br />“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. / He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, / as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-16.htm">Acts 2:16-21</a></span><br />No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: / ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Romans 11:26-27</a></span><br />And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. / And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a></span><br />‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.</p><p class="hdg">A Song of Degrees.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/121-1.htm">Psalm 121:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/122-1.htm">Psalm 122:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">turned again, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Psalm 53:6</a></b></br> Oh that the salvation of Israel <i>were come</i> out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, <i>and</i> Israel shall be glad.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Psalm 85:1</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1</a></b></br> Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and <i>put it</i> also in writing, saying,</p><p class="hdg">we were like</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-16.htm">Job 9:16</a></b></br> If I had called, and he had answered me; <i>yet</i> would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/16-11.htm">Mark 16:11</a></b></br> And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-11.htm">Luke 24:11,41</a></b></br> And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Change</a> <a href="/psalms/125-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Dreamed</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Dreamers</a> <a href="/psalms/92-11.htm">Fate</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Fortunes</a> <a href="/psalms/118-23.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/psalms/119-158.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/psalms/85-1.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/125-1.htm">Zion</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-17.htm">Zion's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Ascents</a> <a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-4.htm">Captives</a> <a href="/psalms/126-4.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Change</a> <a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Degrees</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-25.htm">Dreamed</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Dreamers</a> <a href="/psalms/126-4.htm">Fate</a> <a href="/psalms/126-4.htm">Fortunes</a> <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-16.htm">Restored</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Song</a> <a href="/psalms/129-5.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/128-5.htm">Zion</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-27.htm">Zion's</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 126</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">The church celebrating her incredible return out of captivity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/126-4.htm">Prays for and prophesies the good success thereof</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/126.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/126.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A song of ascents.</b><br>This phrase indicates that <a href="/psalms/126.htm">Psalm 126</a> is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The term "ascents" reflects both the physical journey up to Jerusalem, which is situated on a hill, and the spiritual elevation experienced during worship. The ascent can also symbolize the spiritual journey of believers toward God.<p><b>When the LORD restored the captives of Zion,</b><br>This phrase refers to the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Israel's history. The restoration was seen as a divine act, fulfilling prophecies such as those in <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10-14</a> and <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28-45</a>:1. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the spiritual and political heart of Israel. The restoration signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power to redeem His people. It also prefigures the ultimate restoration through Christ, who liberates humanity from the captivity of sin.<p><b>we were like dreamers.</b><br>The return from exile was so miraculous and joyous that it felt like a dream to the Israelites. This expression captures the overwhelming sense of disbelief and joy at witnessing God's deliverance. It echoes the theme of divine intervention found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/job/42-10.htm">Job 42:10</a>, where God restores fortunes beyond expectation. The dream-like state can also be seen as a type of the future hope and joy believers will experience in the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, as described in <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is central to the restoration and redemption of His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/captives_of_zion.htm">Captives of Zion</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites who were in exile, likely in Babylon, and experienced a miraculous return to their homeland.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>A term often used to describe Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, representing God's presence and promises.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/restoration.htm">Restoration</a></b><br>The act of God bringing His people back from captivity, symbolizing renewal and fulfillment of His promises.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/dreamers.htm">Dreamers</a></b><br>The Israelites' reaction to their unexpected and joyous return, as if it were too good to be true.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_restoration.htm">God's Faithfulness in Restoration</a></b><br>God is faithful to His promises, and His timing is perfect. Just as He restored the captives of Zion, He can restore us from our own "captivities" or difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Joy in God's Deliverance</a></b><br>The joy experienced by the Israelites serves as a reminder of the deep, abiding joy that comes from experiencing God's deliverance and grace in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_hope_and_expectation.htm">Living in Hope and Expectation</a></b><br>Even in times of difficulty or "exile," we can live with hope and expectation, trusting that God will bring about restoration and renewal in His perfect time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a></b><br>Sharing our accounts of God's faithfulness and restoration can encourage others and strengthen their faith, just as the psalmist's testimony has done for generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_126.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 126</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_126_1-2_fit_gradual_return.htm">How does Psalm 126:1–2 reconcile with historical records indicating that Israel’s return from exile was gradual rather than sudden? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_psalm_126's_restoration.htm">Is there any archaeological or textual evidence confirming the miraculous restoration claimed in Psalm 126, beyond interpreted metaphor or tradition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_isaiah_51_11_and_psalm_126.htm">When Isaiah 51:11 parallels themes also found in Psalms (e.g., Psalm 126:1–2), how do we reconcile any apparent historical or literary inconsistencies between the two texts? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_use_'negev_streams'_for_restoration.htm">Why does Psalm 126:4 use “streams in the Negev” as a symbol of restoration, given the region’s arid conditions and lack of evidence for such abundant water flow? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/126.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">When the Lord . . .</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">In turning by Jehovah the turning of Zion. </span>The phrase is not precisely the same as that in <a href="/psalms/126-4.htm" title="Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.">Psalm 126:4</a>, which is usual, and offers no difficulty. Here the form of the noun "turning" presents some difficulty; but, after the analogy of a few other words, it can bear the concrete meaning "returned:" <span class= "ital">when Jehovah brought back the returned of Zion.</span><p><span class= "bld">Like them that dream.</span>--The LXX. and Vulg. have "as if consoled." The Hebrew word primarily means "to be fat," or "fleshy," and in <a href="/isaiah/38-16.htm" title="O LORD, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so will you recover me, and make me to live.">Isaiah 38:16</a> is rendered "recover"--a meaning that would give a good sense here, and which is adopted by the Chaldean paraphrases: "We were like unto such men who have recovered." On the other hand, the usual rendering suggests that the news of the restoration appeared too good to be true. "Surely you are dreaming" is a common saying. An illustration has been aptly produced in Livy's description of the feelings of the Greeks when they heard at the Isthmian games (B.C. 196), after the defeat of the Macedonians by T. Flaminius, the proclamation of the herald that they should, by the free gift of the Roman people, retain their liberty. "The joy was too great for men to take it all in. None could well believe that he had heard aright, and they looked on one another in wonder, like the empty show of a dream" (<span class= "ital">Livy, xxxiii.</span> 32).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/126.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion</span>; literally, <span class="accented">when the Lord turned again the returning of Zion</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. "brought back those who returned from the Captivity." <span class="cmt_word">We were like them that dream</span>. We could scarce credit our senses; we seemed to be in a happy "dream" (comp. <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Acts 12:9</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/126-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A Song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ascents.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4609.htm">Strong's 4609: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">restored</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשׁ֣וּב</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the captives</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁיבַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(šî·ḇaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7870.htm">Strong's 7870: </a> </span><span class="str2">Captivity </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Zion,</span><br /><span class="heb">צִיּ֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ṣî·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6726.htm">Strong's 6726: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we were</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֝יִ֗ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like dreamers.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּחֹלְמִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḥō·lə·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2492.htm">Strong's 2492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 126:1 A Song of Ascents (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 125:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 125:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/126-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 126:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 126:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>