Psalm 126: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 126 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The people who returned to Zion experienced joy, feeling as though they were dreaming when Yahweh brought them back (vv. 1-2). Their mouths were filled with laughter, and the nations recognized that ‘Yahweh has done great things for them’ (v. 2). The psalmist acknowledges Yahweh's great deeds with gladness and asks for the restoration of their fortunes, comparing it to the streams in the Negev (vv. 3-4). The text asserts that those who sow in tears will reap in joy, and those who go out weeping while carrying seed will return with joy, carrying sheaves (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.”
Psalms 126:5 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 126:1–2 The Joy of Restoration
Psalm 126:3–4 Acknowledgment and Petition
Psalm 126:5–6 Sowing and Reaping

Discussion questions

In v1, what does 'like those who dream' suggest about the feelings of the people?
What does the phrase 'mouth was filled with laughter' in v2 indicate about their response?
The request to 'restore our fortunes' in v4: what does this imply about their current situation?
In v5, what is meant by 'those who sow in tears' and how does it relate to joy?
When have you experienced 'sowing in tears' while hoping for future joy?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 126: Psalm 30, Psalm 31, Galatians 6.

Before next time: read Psalm 127.