Psalm 126: Those Who Sow in Tears
Best for: After hardship, planting seeds of faith
Psalm 126 ("Those Who Sow in Tears") is a thanksgiving psalm best read for after hardship, planting seeds of faith. Psalm 126 recalls the joy of return from captivity — it was like a dream. Their mouths were filled with laughter, their tongues with singing.
Overview
Psalm 126 recalls the joy of return from captivity — it was like a dream. Their mouths were filled with laughter, their tongues with singing. Now they pray for continued restoration, like streams in the dry south.
The psalm closes with the powerful agricultural metaphor: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.' The weeping farmer who goes out bearing seed shall come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Key Verses
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."— Psalm 126:5 (KJV)
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."— Psalm 126:6 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Tears are seeds. What you plant in sorrow, you will harvest in joy. The weeping farmer doesn't stop planting — and neither should you. Your tears are not wasted; they are investments.
Historical Context
Celebrates the return from Babylonian exile with the unforgettable image: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.' The returning exiles were so stunned by God's deliverance that they said, 'We were like those who dream'—liberation was too good to be true.
How to Apply This Today
If you're in a season of tears and hard sowing—planting seeds of faithfulness without seeing results—this psalm promises a harvest of joy. Don't give up. The tears you shed today are watering seeds that will produce a crop of rejoicing. Keep sowing.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 126
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 126 about?
Psalm 126 recalls the joy of return from captivity — it was like a dream. Their mouths were filled with laughter, their tongues with singing. Now they pray for continued restoration, like streams in the dry south. The psalm closes with the powerful agricultural metaphor: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.' The weeping farmer who goes out bearing seed shall come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
What does Psalm 126 teach us?
Tears are seeds. What you plant in sorrow, you will harvest in joy. The weeping farmer doesn't stop planting — and neither should you. Your tears are not wasted; they are investments.
What are the key themes of Psalm 126?
The key themes of Psalm 126 include: Restoration, Joy After Sorrow, Sowing and Reaping, Laughter.
When should I read Psalm 126?
Psalm 126 is especially meaningful for: After hardship, planting seeds of faith. The overall mood is hopeful, joyful.
How can I apply Psalm 126 to my life?
If you're in a season of tears and hard sowing—planting seeds of faithfulness without seeing results—this psalm promises a harvest of joy. Don't give up. The tears you shed today are watering seeds that will produce a crop of rejoicing. Keep sowing.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 126
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Psalm 126:5-6 — Meaning & Devotional
Harvest After Sorrow
Psalm 30:5 — Meaning & Devotional
Joy After Sorrow
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Psalm 126:5 Commentary
In-depth study • Hope in Suffering
Bringing in the Sheaves
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