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Psalms / Chapter 126
Psalm 126 remembers a stunning past reversal that brought open joy, then turns that memory into a present request for God to renew things again, ending with a steady picture of tears now leading to a harvest of joy later.
When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then said they among the nations, "Yahweh has done great things for them."
Yahweh has done great things for us, And we are glad.
Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, Like the streams in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, Will assuredly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves. Psalm 127 A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.
Psalms journey ยท Psalms 126
Full passage context
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Prayer, lament, praise, kingship, and hope teach God's people to sing truthfully.
Movement
Worship across the whole story
Artifact
Prayer book of the covenant people
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
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Context snapshot
Date
Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC
Genre
Poetry, prayer, and praise
Setting
Israel/Judah worship tradition
Audience
Israel
World Stage
Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries
Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.
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