126:1-3. The psalmist, speaking for the returned exiles, recalled the joy that they experienced when the Lord brought them back. They were greatly comforted and filled with laughter and joy. Comfort is suggested by the words “men restored to health” (niv marg.; these words fit the situation better than men who dreamed; cf. Isa. 38:16, and are well supported by various versions and the Dead Sea Scrolls). Also the nations realized that the Lord had done marvelous things for His people. It was a time of jubilation after a time of great sadness (cf. Ps. 137).

† 126:5 — Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

God never pretends that this life will be free of hardship or pain, but He insists that, for those who know and love Him, our tears are nothing but seeds that will bloom one day into enormous trees of joy.