Psalm 126
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
It seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: “What marvels
the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.
Reflection
For the joy of a dream come true, there is nothing to beat Psalm 126. It is sung by a community that has something to celebrate. Since the late 19th century, “Bringing in the sheaves” has been one of the most popular Gospel songs, ensuring that Psalm 126 is firmly rooted in our evangelical repertoire. It is grounded too in Jewish liturgical tradition, recited after every family meal on the eve of the Sabbath to bless God for his sustenance. And on high days and holidays, this is the psalm of choice.
The first two verses set the tone for what follows. The singers relive the joy and excitement of a memory from their earlier history, a formative memory which had become embedded in their consciousness, which shaped their identity as worshippers of God. They look back with gladness to God for what they see as an astounding act of liberation: their exile in Babylon was brought to an end; and that memory resonates with another foundational account: God’s deliverance from Egypt. It is in God’s nature to deliver his people from bondage.
What then about the present? How does all this affect the continuing struggles of actual human life? The challenge is there in the last two verses of the psalm and we can take it to ourselves. Despite God’s intervention in the past, life is hard, that’s clear. Vivid pictures of farming life remind us that there is drought and harvests fail. But that song of pure joy fires a confident prayer that God who has liberated us from bondage will do so again in the future. For God is steadfast, God can be relied upon. And if we remain constant, either as individuals or communities, despite the challenges that face us, we may be assured that one day there will be a rich harvest.
Prayer
Gracious God,
we remember with gladness
how you have made known to us your power to save.
You give our troubled minds comfort and rest,
You reawaken hope and give us joy.
May we be servants of your peace
Which brings all life together.
Through Jesus Christ, your son, our saviour,
Amen.