Chapter Summary

Thanksfulness for deliverance from captivity.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 126

1. Psalm 126:1 “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” (ESV) What do you think brought the Psalmist to reflect on a time when God freed and restored His people? How does likening the feeling to a “dream” reflect their astonishment?
2. Considering verse one, have you ever had a time in your life where the memory of God’s ways, promises, or deliverance felt like a dream? How can this give us a stronger glimpse into God’s divinity?
3. Psalm 126:2, “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (ESV) When is a time in your life where you have been filled with joy and laughter because of the great things God has done?
4. Psalm 126:3, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” (ESV) What great things has the Psalmist witnessed The Lord do? What great things have you seen God do in your life?
5. How can this Psalm impact the way we live in unity with others? How can it encourage us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep”? (Romans 12:15)
6. How does the simplicity of verse three remind us to be glad in God? How can it stir our hearts towards joyful contentment?
7. Psalm 126:4, “Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!” (ESV) David Guzik’s resources in the Blue Letter Bible share that “Those streams could appear suddenly and rush with a mighty flow, sometimes known as flash floods. The psalmist prayed for a mighty, sudden work of God to further the work of restoration among His people.” How does understanding the reference to the stream of Negeb shape the way we view the Psalmist’s request for continued deliverance?
8. Psalm 126:5, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (ESV) How do you relate to these words? How does this verse remind us that joy often follows after a season of tears?
9. Psalm 126:6, “He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” (ESV) How can you use this verse to encourage someone that is currently in a season of tears? How can you support them and point them towards the joy that is to come?
10. When considering verses 5-6, what season do you resonate with the most right now? How can these verses give you endurance?

Key Words/Phrase

Deliverance, v. 3.

Characters

God, Zion.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 5. 6.