Psalm 126 (Lectionary Translation)
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
"The Lord has done great things for them."
4 The Lord has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
COMING HOME
Every psalm, every scripture, has a literal meaning and also an allegorical sense. Since human beings began to find inspiration in holy texts, they have understood that both literal and allegorical are important and life-giving. Often, it is the deeper meaning that is most inspiring; but even the deepest message rests on the meaning of simple words.
Psalm 126 is known in scholarship as a “Song of Ascent” (shir ha-ma’alot in Hebrew) – chanted by happy pilgrims on their way up to the mountain-city of Jerusalem, coming to celebrate one of the festivals of Judaism there. The “Songs of Ascent” can be read historically, like a snapshot from a distant time of religious fervor. These same psalms can also be read as invitations to “rise up” in response to a personal yearning, hidden within the historical context. Interpretation of the literal text in this way can be “allegorical” or even “contemplative,” and often it will have an “ethical” impact on us, as readers. Together, these four hermeneutical levels - literal, allegorical, ethical and contemplative – invite us to a lifetime of searching for personal meaning in the psalms.
My rendering of Psalm 126:1-4 is allegorical, ethical and contemplative. It understands the Divine Name as a joyful “becoming,” flowing like water in the desert. It is informed by my concern for our fellow human beings who are refugees and homeless during this Nativity season. Lastly, it is an expression of my yearning to be closer to those I love, in this time of illness, trouble and separation.
PSALM 126:1-4
COMING HOME
A Song of Hope Arising:
We are refugees, returning,
becoming dreamers on our way,
led home by hope through driest land,
and learning how to laugh!
Songs come flowing to our lips,
and everyone who sees us dancing by
talks about how great it would be,
if they could all become such dreamers too.
How great will it be, when everyone
becomes the joy they hope to find at home!
We’re coming home, just coming home,
like brooks that run through dusty land,
just passing through, becoming flow - just coming home to the sea.
[RENDERED FROM THE HEBREW BY HENRY RALPH CARSE – COPYRIGHT HENRY RALPH CARSE DEC. 2020]
Henry Ralph Carse - December 13, 2020