Message Notes

SSS 4 16 August 2026
Text: Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.

1 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.

4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.

5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.

6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126

1. Delivered from Captivity

When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.

Psalm 126:1

a) This was prophesied

b) Isaiah 45 prophesied of King Cyrus of the Medo-Persian empire releasing Israel from captivity

2. Rejoicing in God’s deliverance

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.

Psalm 126:2-3

a) Expressions of Joy

i) Laughter

ii) Singing

b) On-lookers

i) They recognised God’s hand of deliverance

ii) The deliverance was truly extraordinary Isaiah 45

c) National response

i) Gratitude

ii) Gladness of heart

A HEARTFELT PRAYER

4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.

5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.

6 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. Praying for full deliverance to take place

2. Streams in South

a) In the Negev is in the South of Judah (semi-desert)

b) Very little rainfall annually

c) But when the rains come from heaven

d) The whole Negev region is changed dramatically

i) The wadies overflow

ii) The torrents of water come suddenly

iii) This imagery was chosen to reflect God’s divine power at work

3. Appropriate response

a) To sow in tears

b) To reap in joy

c) To sow in trust