LA UBF

Ps126a2003Q.doc

SONGS OF JOYPRIVATE

Psalm 126:1-6

Key Verse 126:5

1. Read v. 1. Many surmise that "the captives" refers to those returning from the Babylonian exile which lasted 70 years. Why did they feel like men who "dreamed"? Yet, what was the reality? What can we learn here about the Lord and all of his promises (Lk 1:20; 2Ki 7:19; Rm 3:3; Lk 19:13)?

2. Read v. 2a and compare this passage with Lamentations 1:1-22. How do the two contrast? In what respects is man's life here on earth (in a mortal body) similar to life for the Israelites in exile (Gen 3:24; Psa 90:1-13)? Yet, what hope does this passage hold for those who live by faith in the Lord (Psa 130:7; Psa 16:11; Dnl 12:2-3; 1Pe 1:8-12)?

3. Read v. 2b-3 and compare what is said among the [Gentile] nations with what is said among the Israelites. What do they have in common? Yet how are they different? And what is the reason for their difference? Finally, what does this show us about: 1) the importance of being "in the Lord" and 2) the Lord's will for the nations?

4. Read v. 4. What does the Bible say about the Negev (Jos 12:8; 15:19; Jud 1:16; Isa 30:6)? According to this observation, what do you think the author meant when he prayed, "Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like 'streams' in the Negev"? What do you think inspired the psalmist to offer up such a bold prayer? What practical applications from the psalmist's example can you think of?

5. Memorize v. 5 and compare it with the prayer described in v. 4. Prayer seems sufficient, so why does the psalmist further exhort us to "sow in tears" (Gen 2:15; 2Co 9:10; 2Th 3:10; Isa 30:23; 55:10)? What practical applications are here for us to learn (Jn 6:27; 2Ti 2:6)?

6. Read v. 6a. Have you ever gone out [to a field] "weeping", carrying seed to sow? What seed is a Christian called to sow (1Co 3:6; 9:11; Gal 6:7-10)?

7. Read v. 6b and compare with v. 6a. How is "sheaves" contrasted to "seed"? Have you ever experienced this kind of joy? When will a hardworking [spiritual] farmer ultimately be able to sing these songs (Isa 60:22)?