What is the meaning of Psalm 126:3?

The LORD

- The verse begins by naming the covenant God who revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM” (Exodus 3:15).

- He alone is the subject and source of every redemptive act; no other power shares the credit (Isaiah 42:8).

- By calling on “the LORD,” the psalmist directs our gaze to the One whose faithfulness never fails (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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has done

- The phrase points to completed, historic interventions—God’s works are not hypothetical but accomplished facts (Deuteronomy 11:7; Joshua 21:45).

- Because He “has done” mighty deeds, His people’s faith rests on a proven record (Psalm 77:11-12).

- This anchors present trust and fuels future hope, echoing Mary’s praise: “He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49).

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great things

- Scripture repeatedly celebrates God’s “great deeds,” from parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:31) to raising Christ from the dead (Acts 2:24).

- “Great” underscores His unsurpassed power and goodness (Psalm 145:3-6).

- The psalm likely recalls Israel’s return from exile (Ezra 1:1-4), yet it invites every generation to remember its own deliverances—salvation in Christ chief among them (Ephesians 2:4-7).

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for us

- God’s works are personal and communal; He acts “for us,” not merely in an abstract sense (Romans 8:31-32).

- The corporate pronoun unites past and present believers in one testimony (Hebrews 12:1).

- Each member of God’s family can trace blessings both shared and individual, just as Israel rejoiced together after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:23-24).

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we are filled with joy

- Joy is the natural overflow when grace is recognized (Psalm 30:11-12).

- The wording portrays ongoing delight, not a fleeting emotion (1 Peter 1:8).

- Such joy becomes a witness to surrounding nations, prompting the earlier remark in the psalm, “The nations said, ‘The LORD has done great things for them’” (Psalm 126:2).

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summary

Psalm 126:3 declares that the covenant God has already accomplished mighty acts on behalf of His people, and the only fitting response is exuberant, collective joy. Remembering His past faithfulness grounds present assurance and sparks fresh praise, inviting every believer to join the chorus: “The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”