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Day 325

Psalm 126:5 "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Day 325 – Psalm 126

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5

THE RETURN TO ISRAEL

The Persian King Cyrus was the one who ordered the release of Israel from their exile. Isaiah prophesied and described Cyrus as a servant of God (notwithstanding that he was not a believer; Cf. Isaiah 45).

“Bring back our captivity, O LORD,
As the streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.”
Psalm 126:4-6

1. Prayer for a full return

a) The return to Israel was done in stages.
b) The psalmist’s prayer was for a full return of all in exile.
c) The exiles were compared to many streams.
d) May they all flow back into Zion.

2. Rebuilding of the Land

a) The land had been ravaged by war.
b) The land was in furlough for 70 years.
c) The returnees would have to work very hard to restore the land.

3. The effort put in

a) The sowing would be harder than usual for the land had lain furlough for so long.
b) The land had to be cultivated again.
c) Those who are seeking to rebuild the land and restore it to its former glory must be prepared to endure hardship (“tears and weeping”).
d) There will be special joy when God blesses the harvest with a good crop.
e) The principle of sowing and reaping is underscored here.