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<<A Song of degrees.>> When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.  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.   3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.  5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.   6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126: 1-6)

Psalm 126 is a thanksgiving song sung by the Israelite returnees set free from Babylonian exile.  This is one of fifteen psalms with the prefix, “A Song of Degrees.”  Why this prefix?  How should we view it?  Opinions differ.  But the most probable explanation is that these fifteen psalms were sung by bands of pilgrims on their way to the yearly feasts in Jerusalem (Ps. 122: 4). Psalms 121 - 123, 125, 127, 128, 132 – 134 were appropriate for use on such celebratory occasions. 

Augustine interpreted the title, “A Song of Degrees” as a song of “drawing upwards”, of the drawing (going up) to the heavenly Jerusalem.  This lends spiritual perspectives to this grouping of Psalms.  One of the older writers concurred with these words: “This is right, inasmuch as the deliverance from the captivity of sin and death should in an increased measure excite those feelings of gratitude which Israel must have felt on being delivered from their corporeal captivity” – A F Tholuck.

A quick look at the historical background reveals that Israel had provoked Jehovah to anger by their idolatrous and sinful practices.  They had forsaken the law of the Lord, set up altars in high places and offered sacrifices to other gods.  Patiently, the Lord pleaded with them again and again through His prophets to return to Him.  But God’s people ignored His gracious call to repentance; they continued with their wicked ways.  In 586BC, the Lord brought judgement upon the Israelites by allowing the invading Babylonians army to destroy their temple and take them away captive to Babylon.  “God sent them into captivity, not as dross is put into the fire to be consumed, but as gold to be refined” – Matthew Henry. 

Psalm 126 highlights the contrast of  both captivity and freedom, sadness and joy.  The Israelites acknowledged that it was “the LORD” Who “turned again the captivity of Zion.”  (v. 1).  According to the word of the Lord through His prophet Isaiah (Isa. 44: 28 – 45: 4), Cyrus, the Persian king who overthrew Babylon in 539 BC, freed the Jews from their exile so that they could return to their homeland.    As by the  Lord’s  permission,  they  were  led  into captivity, so only by His Almighty power, the Israelites were set at liberty. 

This interesting and heart-warming psalm is worth studying.  May the Lord teach us precious lessons as we meditate upon the words of the Psalmist.   

We have, in verse 1, the cry of joy from the Psalmist with particular reference to the deliverance of Israel.  Being released out of captivity, the euphoria of being set free was beyond their wildest dreams – “…we were like them that dream” (v.1).   After a lapse of seventy years, the Jews held little hope of returning to their own land.    “No nation known to  history, except the Jews, ever did return to rebuild their ancient cities and homes.  Hence this joyous surprise” – Henry Cowles in “The Psalms with Notes” – 1872. 

The apostle Peter had a somewhat similar experience whilst in prison.  Though the angel smote him on the side, raised him up and caused the chains to fall off his hands, he thought that it was all a dream: “He wist not that it was true, but thought he saw a vision” (Acts 12: 9). 
 
Similarly, the Jewish captives, amazed and confused, did not know what to make of it.  The suddenness of deliverance put them into such an ecstasy and transport of joy that they could scarcely contain themselves:  “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing” (v. 2).   With voices united, they sang with heartfelt gratitude, in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God, their faithful, covenant-keeping LORD.  “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (v. 3).  They who were once laughed at now laughed aloud with songs of jubilant praise to Jehovah Who “hath done great things” on their behalf.  What great comfort it brought to their hearts. 

Beloved, our Almighty God ruleth sovereign over all the earth.  He directs the hearts of kings : “By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth” (Prov.  8: 15-16).  He commanded the powerful heathen king of Persia to “perform all My pleasure” (Isa. 44: 28).  He “stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.  And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem” (Ez. 1: 1-4).

Indeed, we can rejoice in the Lord “Who hath done great things for us.”  There is nothing too hard for Him.  Thank God for His great salvation.  Thank God for delivering us from the bondage of sin.  With a thankful heart, let us love and serve Him with all our might and strength.   (... to be continued)