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Psalm 126 · a question people ask

Has it already happened, or is the psalm asking for it?

In the text

In the WEB's words, both. 126:1-3 speak of it as done: "When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion" (126:1), and "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad" (126:3). Then 126:4 asks: "Restore our fortunes again, LORD" (126:4) (tap Restore). Psalm 85 has the same shape. It says, "You have restored the fortunes of Jacob" (Psalm 85:1), and then prays, "Turn us, God of our salvation" (Psalm 85:4), with the same verb, shuv, in both (Psalm 85's notes follow it). Psalm 126 doesn't say what the first bringing back was, when it happened, or what it now asks to have restored, and these notes name no event.

The verses

“A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad. Restore our fortunes again, LORD, like the streams in the Negev.”
Psalm 126:1-4 · World English Bible
“For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. LORD, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.”
Psalm 85:1 · World English Bible
“Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.”
Psalm 85:4 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 126

Psalm 126: Those who sow in tears

Psalm 126 remembers the LORD bringing back those who returned to Zion, then prays with the same Hebrew verb, "Restore our fortunes again, LORD" (126:4). "The LORD has done great things" was said first among the nations, and the psalm took up the words (126:2-3). And one Hebrew word is both the singing of 126:2 and the joy of 126:5-6.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions