Psalms 126:4

4 Restore our fortunes,[a]LORD, like streams in the Negev.

Images for Psalms 126:4

Psalms 126:4 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
The Message Bible (MSG)
4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
American Standard Version (ASV)
4 Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, as you restore streams [to dry riverbeds] in the Negev.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
4 Lord, bless us with great success again, as rain makes streams flow in the Negev Desert.

Psalms 126:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 126:4

Turn again our captivity, O Lord
This prayer for the return of the captivity shows that it was not as yet: though some think that this is a petition of those that were returned from captivity, for those of their brethren that stayed behind; who, enjoying the sweets of their liberty, pray for their brethren to come and share with them, that so the mercy and blessing might be completed. This may very well be considered as a petition; either for the coming of the Redeemer, and redemption by him from the captivity of sin and Satan, and the law; or for the conversion of the Jews in the latter day. Either of which would be

as the streams in the south;
as great and wonderful a work as causing rivers to be in dry places, and as grateful and acceptable as brooks and streams of water in southern countries: or like streams produced by the south wind, which brings rain, and melts the snow from the hills; which, running into the valleys, cause flows of water in great abundance: and so may denote the abundance of those that should share in the blessings of conversion, redemption, and salvation; as well as the wonderfulness and acceptableness of them; see ( Isaiah 41:18 ) ( 43:19 ) ( 32:2 ) . The Targum seems to understand it of the change made upon them, like that made on the earth by those; paraphrasing the words,

``as the land is turned, when streams of water flow out in a time of drought.''

The allusion seems to be to Judea, lying south of Babylon; and to the southern parts of Judea, which were dry; see ( Joshua 15:19 ) .

Psalms 126:4 In-Context

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.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes,LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Deuteronomy 30:3
  • 2. S Psalms 107:35; Isaiah 35:6; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 51:3

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "Bring back our captives"
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