Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
This Psalm was written after the Jewish people returned from Babylon, not as prophecy of what was to come. The poet exhorts the returning captives to give thanks, making plain that God Himself brought them home, not chance or the favor of men. The abstract noun captivity stands for the concrete captives of Zion.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 126:1-6
Turn again our captivity, O Lord. Remembering the former joy of a past rescue they cry to Jehovah for a repetition of it. When we pray for the turning of our captivity, it is wise to recall former instances thereof: nothing strengthens faith more effectually than the memory of a previous experience.
Those who returned were still in distress, and many remained in Babylon; they rejoiced with trembling. The mercy completed would be as welcome as streams of water in the parched south country. Even in prosperity we must not forget our brethren in trouble. All suffering saints may rest assured their tears will end in a harvest of joy at last.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 126:4-6