Psa 126:1 A song of ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

Obviously, this psalm is in two sections:-

1. What we were. Do we look back, and learn from the past, or do we neglect or even despise it?

2. What we hope to be. And this not simply a contemplation of future blessing, but an anticipation of active work. Revival, no doubt, is God’s work; and yet it is the man who goes out, sowing seeds in tears, who will reap a harvest with joy.

We were like men who dreamed – i.e., ‘We could hardly believe it.’

Psa 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

Psa 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psa 126:4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.

Streams – once a year, the dry river beds would be turned into torrents by the rain, turning the surrounding desert into a place of lush vegetation overnight.

Negev – desert area in the extreme south of Judah.

Psa 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psa 126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.