What is the meaning of Psalm 126:2? Then our mouths were filled with laughter • When God turned Israel’s exile into homecoming (Psalm 126:1), the relief was so overwhelming that laughter burst out naturally—just as Sarah exclaimed, “God has made me laugh” (Genesis 21:6). • This laughter is not frivolous; it is evidence of God-given joy that replaces the tears of captivity (Psalm 30:11). • Job anticipated such a day: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter” (Job 8:21), underscoring that the Lord alone produces authentic, redeeming gladness. our tongues with shouts of joy • Joy moved from the heart to the tongue; praise could not stay silent (Psalm 98:4). • Israel’s collective voice echoed earlier deliverances: “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion” (Zephaniah 3:14), showing that redeemed people are vocal people. • Isaiah foretold the same scene: “Everlasting joy will crown their heads” (Isaiah 35:10), reminding us that outward celebration is an appropriate, literal response to God’s saving acts. Then it was said among the nations • Outsiders noticed. As with the Exodus—when Egypt confessed, “Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them” (Exodus 14:25)—God’s work on behalf of His people becomes public testimony. • Psalm 67:2 envisions this ripple effect: “that Your salvation may be known among all nations.” • Even hostile peoples are forced to acknowledge the Lord’s hand, fulfilling His promise to “vindicate the holiness of My great name” (Ezekiel 36:23). “The LORD has done great things for them.” • The praise lands squarely on the Lord, not on Israel’s resilience. Deuteronomy 10:21 says, “He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders.” • Mary echoed the same truth centuries later: “The Mighty One has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49), linking individual testimony to national history. • Because the nations confirm it, the greatness of God’s acts becomes a missionary megaphone (Psalm 145:6). summary Psalm 126:2 captures the spontaneous, audible joy that erupts when God literally reverses captivity. Laughter and shouts of praise spill over, and even unbelieving nations cannot deny, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The verse calls every generation to remember—and openly celebrate—the mighty, observable works God performs for His people. |
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