A Song of Ascents.A Song of Ascents. Israel is ascending! In spite of all of the difficulties, the nation is advancing materially and spiritually.When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion, we were like unto them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing;
then said they among the nations: 'The LORD hath done great things with these.'
The LORD hath done great things with us; we are rejoiced.
Turn our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the dry land.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Though he goeth on his way weeping that beareth the measure of seed,
he shall come home with joy, bearing his sheaves.
When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion, we were like unto them that dream. Is this not a dream, that after almost 2000 years of exile we have been gathered from the four corners of the earth? Is it not a dream that the Hebrew language, which was more or less dormant, has come to life? Is it not a dream, that the land which was desolate is now blooming?
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; We are happy indeed, however this verse will be actualized to its fullest extent only when the Temple is rebuilt.
then said they among the nations: 'The LORD hath done great things with these. The righteous among the gentiles recognize the great things that have happened, in some cases even before we see it ourselves. They rejoice with us. The wicked among them are also conscious of what is happening, and therefore they oppose us in every imaginable way.
The LORD hath done great things with us; we are rejoiced. Woe to those among us who do not see the hand of God in the establishment of the state of Israel. Woe to the ingrates! "The upright see it, and are glad; and all iniquity stoppeth her mouth(Psalms 107)."
Turn our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the dry land.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Yes, we sow in tears. The land is acquired through affliction. However, in spite of all the sorrow, it is worth it.
Though he goeth on his way weeping that beareth the measure of seed,
he shall come home with joy, bearing his sheaves.
Just as the farmer who plants will enjoy the fruits of his labor, so it is with the land of Israel. Those that labor to build and protect it will enjoy its spiritual benefits in this world and in the world to come.
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