They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. As thou bringest back, after the autumn rains, ample streams to the dry water-courses of the Negeb, or south country. Bring back, we pray thee, the rest of the captives. We, who occupy the land, are but "a remnant" ( Ezra 9:8 Nehemiah 1:3). The work is not half done-not half the nation has returned. The first part of the psalm-the absolutely pure joy-song-here ends and the second part-the mixed joy and sorrow-begins. For these great things we rejoice and give thanks. "What the heathen said was true-the Lord hath indeed done great things for us." Whereof we are glad. The heathen, among whom the Israelites had dwelt, marveled at their deliverance. Then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them literally, hath magnified to do with them. And our tongue with singing rather, with a cry of joy. The Orientals weep when they are disappointed, and, when they are pleased, laugh ( Genesis 21:6 Job 8:21) and shout for joy (Herod 8.99). We could scarce credit our senses we seemed to be in a happy "dream" (comp. "brought back those who returned from the Captivity." We were like them that dream. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion literally, when the Lord turned again the returning of Zion i. The double aspect of the Return-its "bitter-sweetness"-impressed itself upon the nation from an early date (see Ezr 3:9 -14). But as the "complaint" is first subdued, and then merges into a joy-song ( Psalms 126:5, Psalms 126:6), there is really no want of harmony in the composition. It has been said to present an "enigmatical contrast" (Cheyne) in its two portions. This psalm seems to be a joint thanksgiving and complaint, composed soon after the return from the Captivity.
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