Psalm 126:1-6 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.… I. OUR STATE BY NATURE. 1. Captivity to sin. 2. Captivity to the law. II. OUR DELIVERANCE. The regenerating Spirit does not create in us new faculties. He rather purifies the old. He gives a right tendency and direction to those which already exist, and causing the wandering affections to flow in their proper channel. One immediate result of this Divine work is that of our being "turned again" unto God. III. THE EMOTIONS BY WHICH THIS DELIVERANCE IS ACCOMPANIED. 1. The emotions which are produced in the bosom of those whose "captivity is turned again."(1) Surprise. To feel that sin which had hitherto exercised so powerful a sway over our hearts, and found us at all times so easy a prey, has now "no more dominion over us"; is not this matter of surprise? To find that Satan, that cruel taskmaster, who had so long led us captive at will, has lost his tyrant-power, and is now beaten down beneath our feet; is not this matter of surprise? (2) Joy. Because Satan is foiled. Because the soul is saved. Because the glory of God is secured. (3) Praise. 2. The emotion which is produced in the mind of those who merely observe this deliverance. (John Gaskin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Song of degrees.} When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.WEB: When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. |
    |