Psa 126:3-4 | MHM | STEP | v. 3 : Even other nations noticed what happened. The heathen said, The Lord has done great things for them (Psalm 126:2 ). Before, these nations laughed at Israel’s troubles (Jeremiah 22:8-9; Psalm 137:7 ). Now, they were amazed at Israel’s deliverance and admitted that Israel’s God was powerful. This brought respect to Israel and honor to God, even among people who worshipped other gods. The Israelites themselves thanked God, saying, The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad . Unlike the other nations, the Israelites were not just watching—they were the ones who received God’s kindness. They were deeply happy because God had helped them. Before, while they were disobeying God, they were not allowed to rejoice (Hosea 9:1 ). But now, after changing their ways, God gave them a reason to be glad. It is important to see what God does for His people and to be thankful for it.

‏ Psalms 126:3-4

v. 3: Even other nations noticed what happened. The heathen said, The Lord has done great things for them (Psalm 126:2 ^a). Before, these nations laughed at Israel’s troubles (Jeremiah 22:8-9; Psalm 137:7 ^b). Now, they were amazed at Israel’s deliverance and admitted that Israel’s God was powerful. This brought respect to Israel and honor to God, even among people who worshipped other gods.

The Israelites themselves thanked God, saying, The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad . Unlike the other nations, the Israelites were not just watching—they were the ones who received God’s kindness. They were deeply happy because God had helped them. Before, while they were disobeying God, they were not allowed to rejoice (Hosea 9:1 ^c). But now, after changing their ways, God gave them a reason to be glad. It is important to see what God does for His people and to be thankful for it.

Hope for the Sorrowful

This section looks ahead to blessings that God’s people still hoped for. Even though some Israelites had returned from Babylon, they still faced many problems in their homeland (Nehemiah 1:3 ^d), and many others were still in Babylon. So, while they were thankful, they also felt sad for those who still suffered. Here, we see both a prayer for complete freedom and a promise that sadness will turn to joy.

v. 4: The people pray, Turn again our captivity . They ask God to finish what He started—to help those who are still suffering and to encourage those who are still in Babylon to come home. The first part of God’s help gives them courage to pray for more. Even when life is good, there is always something we can pray for. Also, when we are free, we should remember our brothers and sisters who are still in trouble. If everyone could be free and together, it would be as refreshing as water in a dry land (Proverbs 25:25 ^e).