Psalms 126:1
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Original Language Analysis
בְּשׁ֣וּב
turned again
H7725
בְּשׁ֣וּב
turned again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְ֭הוָה
When the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
When the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צִיּ֑וֹן
of Zion
H6726
צִיּ֑וֹן
of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
5 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
Cross References
Hosea 6:11Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.Joel 3:1For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,Psalms 85:1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.Acts 12:9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.Psalms 120:1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.Psalms 123:1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.Psalms 53:6Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.Psalms 125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.Psalms 124:1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;Job 42:10And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Historical Context
The Babylonian exile lasted approximately 70 years (586-516 BC), devastating Israelite national, religious, and social life. Cyrus's decree allowing return (538 BC) seemed miraculous after such prolonged suffering. For those who returned, rebuilding Jerusalem and temple fulfilled prophetic promises that seemed impossible during exile. The dreamlike quality captures the psychological impact of moving from despair to hope realized.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to experience blessing so surprising it feels like a dream?
- How does the phrase 'LORD turned' emphasize divine initiative in restoration?
- Why might restoration feel surreal or dreamlike rather than simply joyful?
- What modern experiences of God's deliverance produce this dreamlike wonder?
- How does remembering past restoration sustain faith during present trials?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm begins with joyful retrospection on restoration: 'When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.' The phrase 'turned again the captivity' (Hebrew 'shub shebut') means restore fortunes or bring back captives - specifically referring to return from Babylonian exile, though applicable to any divine restoration. The expression 'we were like them that dream' captures the overwhelming, almost unbelievable joy of deliverance. Dreams seem unreal, too good to be true; restoration felt surreal after decades of exile. The comparison to dreamers suggests disorientation, wonder, and questioning whether the experience is real. This verse models how to receive restoration - with amazed gratitude, recognizing that deliverance exceeds expectation and seems too good for reality. The joy stems from God's action ('LORD turned'), not human achievement.