\<>\. This psalm is generally thought to have been written by Ezra, or some good man returned from the Babylonish captivity, and on account of it: the inscription in the Syriac version of it, besides observing it to be a song of degrees or ascents, and without a name, is, “it is said of Haggai and…

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion Or returned the Jews from their captivity in Babylon; who are called Zion, from the city of David, built on Mount Zion, which was in Judea, and adjoined to Jerusalem, the metropolis of the kingdom; and because they were the godly who were concerned…

Then was our mouth filled with laughter Who before mourned, and hung their harps on the willows, and could not sing the Lord’s song in a strange land; but now, as their hearts were filled, with joy, this was externally and visibly seen in their countenances, and expressed with their mouths and by…

The Lord hath done great things for us These words are generally supposed to be the words of the Jews, taking up those of the Gentiles, and confirming them; acknowledging that the Lord had done great things for them indeed; which, had they not owned, they would have been exceeding ungrateful; had…

Turn again our captivity, O Lord This prayer for the return of the captivity shows that it was not as yet: though some think that this is a petition of those that were returned from captivity, for those of their brethren that stayed behind; who, enjoying the sweets of their liberty, pray for their…

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. ] A proverbial expression, encouraging faith in prayer put up for the return of the captivity, whether in a literal or spiritual sense.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed Which he sows in tears. This is but a repetition and confirmation of what is before expressed in different words; and may be applied, as to a praying saint, so to a faithful preacher of the word.