1 A Canticle in steps. When the Lord turned back the captivity of Zion, we became like those who are consoled.
Athanasius of Alexandria · AD 373 For to those who thus examine themselves and conform their hearts to the Lord, nothing adverse shall happen; for indeed, their hearts are strengthened by confidence in the Lord, as it is written, "They who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion; he who dwells in Jerusalem shall not be moved forever." For if at any time, the crafty one shall be presumptuously bold against them, chi…
John Chrysostom · AD 407 Such, however, is not the nature of the righteous man. But what manner of man is he? Hear the same prophet, saying, "They that trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion." What means then, "As Mount Zion?" "He shall not be shaken," saith he, "for ever." For whatever engines thou bringest up, whatever darts thou hurlest, desiring to overturn a mountain, thou wilt never be able to preva…
Augustine of Hippo · AD 430 "They that put their trust in the Lord shall be even as the mount Sion: they shall not be removed for ever" [Psalm 125:1].
2 Then our mouth was filled with gladness and our tongue with exultation. Then they will say among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Augustine of Hippo · AD 430 What is this Jerusalem? He briefly describes it. "The mountains stand around Jerusalem" [Psalm 125:2]. Is it anything great, that we are in a city surrounded by mountains? Is this the whole of our happiness, that we shall have a city which mountains surround? Do we not know what mountains are? or what are mountains save swellings of the earth?
Bonaventure · AD 1257 Scripture enlightens in a circle, as, for instance, when it advises us not to flee, because we have protection all around. For we have the Lord and angels about us, wherefore the Psalm: Mountains are round about Jerusalem; so the Lord is round about His people.
3 The Lord has done great things for us. We have become joyful.
Augustine of Hippo · AD 430 "For the Lord will not leave the rod of the ungodly upon the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands unto wickedness" [Psalm 125:3]. At present indeed the righteous suffer in some measure, and at present the unrighteous sometimes tyrannize over the righteous. In what ways?
4 Convert our captivity, O Lord, like a torrent in the south.
Basil of Caesarea · AD 379 God is good, but he is also just, and it is the nature of the just to reward in proportion to merit, as it is written: "Do good, O Lord, to those that are good and to the upright of heart.
Augustine of Hippo · AD 430 And he therefore addeth, "Do well, O Lord, unto those that are good and true of heart" (ver. 4). They who are right in heart, of whom I was speaking a little before,-they who follow the will of God, not their own will,-reflect upon this.
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation.
Augustine of Hippo · AD 430 Whence the Psalmist at once addeth: "As for such as turn aside, the Lord shall lead them forth unto strangling with the workers of unrighteousness" (ver. 5): that is, those whose deeds they have imitated; because they took delight in their present pleasures, and did not believe in their punishments to come.
6 When departing, they went forth and wept, sowing their seeds.
7 But when returning, they will arrive with exultation, carrying their sheaves.