Verse 1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

turned. the captivity = turned the fortunes. This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing. See Job 42:10 and Ezekiel 16:53 and Ezekiel 16:56, where it is three times explained as "return to your former estate". See App-67.

Zion. See App-68.

like them that dream. The reference is to the waking in 2 Kings 19:35. Isaiah 37:36. The illustration is in Luke 24:41. Acts 12:9 (603 B.C.)

Verse 2

singing: i.e. the songs of Isaiah 38:20.

said they = was it said.

heathen = nations. The reference is to 2 Chronicles 32:22, 2 Chronicles 32:23.

The LORD hath done great things. Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6), because the phrase is repeated at the beginning of the next verse.

Verse 4

streams = torrents. Hebrew. "aphikim. See 2 Samuel 22:16. Supply the Ellipsis, "as the streams [are turned] in the Negeb".

in the south = in the Negeb, where, in the hill-country of Judaea the "aphikim are turned about in their beds between the rocks and in the gorges.

south. Hebrew Negeb; the hill-country of Judaea. See note on Genesis 13:1, and Deuteronomy 1:7.

Verse 5

sow in tears. The reference is to the "sign" given in Isaiah 37:30. See App-67.