Psalm 126:2, 3 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen… Then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The estimate which surrounding nations would form of them and of their circumstances was always a matter of interest and importance to Israel. From the first it was understood that the honor of Jehovah was bound up with the prosperity of this people. It is possible to fix our thoughts too entirely on the exclusiveness and the isolation of Israel, and on its mission as the treasury, for the world, of the primary truths of revealed religion. Its second mission was its witness to Jehovah, by its trust in him; devotion to his service; and safety and enrichment through his presence and blessing. Israel was, as it were, locked up in that little central land, away from the nations; but it was so isolated that it might make its testimony, and be a beacon-light for God. We try to see what witness it rendered by one of its moods. I. ISRAEL'S JOY IN GOD WITNESSED TO THE DIVINE PITY. We are dealing now with the joy of the restored exiles. They were largely the immediate descendants of men who had provoked Jehovah by their iniquity and rebellion, and had for years been enduring his righteous judgments. Looking at, and thinking only of their calamity, other nations might easily come to think of their God as one who never forgives. But, in view of the joy of their restoration, such an idea could not be enter-mined. It is proved now that God pities even while he punishes; and is glad when his pity is free to work its gracious, restoring work. II. ISRAEL'S JOY IN GOD WITNESSED TO THE DIVINE PERSERVATION. It declared that the "good hand" had been on the nation all through its time of captivity. It bad been in the purifying fires, but the silver had been kept safe through all the testings. And the brightness and joy of a Christian life always makes this witness for God. It says - "I have been upheld till now; Who could hold me up but thou?" III. ISRAEL'S JOY IN GOD WITNESSED TO THE DIVINE PURPOSES. God restored Israel because he had something for Israel yet to do in the world. And Israel's joy seemed to say, "It is plain that God needs me." God's goodness always unveils God's purpose. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. |
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