Psalms 126:1 (ESV)
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Psalms 126:4 (ESV)
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
In this short song we have the celebration of those returning from exile after the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel had been in captivity for 70 years and Jerusalem had been devastated by the carnage when they were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. Several nations had pillaged the city and deteriorating walls had allowed the inhabitants that remained to further bring about the cities destruction. But, God allowed them to return and under Nehemiah rebuild it. It was not like before, but it was, never-the-less, something to celebrate. This is the tangible evidence of Israel’s fortunes. Just like the city was restored, so too was the nation. While Nehemiah rebuilt the city, Ezra the priest rebuilt the worship systems. God was restoring their “fortunes” because they were now back in fellowship with God. This is all the meaning of verse one. It was a dream come true that they were back in their land.
But, in verse four we read that they are not satisfied with simply being in the land. They wanted more. They wanted their fortune to be like the winter rains that appear in the Negeb (the surrounding plains of Jerusalem). Those flowing streams provided refreshment, repose and beauty to the land and the people. They wanted more of God. That is the essence of this song. They wanted more of Him and the feeling of His presence. That should be the hearts desire of all believers. We should be both satisfied with what God gives us physical blessings, but want more of God in who He is and His presence. That is the word picture of this poem. In the New Testament we read Paul’s writings on a similar vain of thought:
Philippians 3:10 (ESV)
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Our hearts should sing an equally passionate song of wanting more and more of Him. He is more than we can fathom and should be the focus of our praise and adoration:
Romans 11:33 (ESV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
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