Psalms that are songs of Degree 515-2 - 22 - 3

Psalm 126:1, “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” 

King Cyrus had decreed that the captives could return to their land and provided funds for rebuilding the temple. After 70 years in exile imagine the surprise of those who were not aware of Jeremiah 25:11, “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” Likely they were walking around in a near trance.

Psalm 126:2, “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.” Even the heathens realized the power of God.

A 180 degree turn from the sorrow in Psalm 137. Psalm 137:1-4, “1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? 

I can identify with Psalm 137 as today there is a growing darkness in our world, a feeling for me of being out of place. Of course, Satan has the title deed to planet Earth, so it is to be expected. We are very much in the days of Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” 

Psalm 126:3, “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” The grateful exiles gave God the credit for their deliverance from captivity.”

Psalm 126:5-6, “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.”

Although free, the returning captivities would face hardships. The temple was destroyed, there would be no immediate harvest and the city of Jerusalem was in ruins.

Psalm 127:1, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Here I recalled Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”

Throughout the Bible Jesus is analogous to a rock and/ or the cornerstone of our spiritual life. Both Luke 6:48 and Matthew 7:24-25 speak to a house built upon a rock, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat upon the house, but it stood just as our faith does when it is built on a risen Jesus, our precious corner stone, our sure foundation.