When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion” Psalm 126 vs 1 This verse reflects the overwhelming joy and almost surreal disbelief the Israelites felt when they were delivered from exile—likely referring to the Babylonian captivity. It was such a dramatic reversal of fortune that it felt like a dream, too good to be true. This refers to God bringing the people of Israel back from exile—most likely from Babylon. It can also be interpreted more generally as God delivering His people from a place of hardship, bondage, or suffering. • “We were like them that dream” The joy and shock of being restored was so intense that it felt unreal—like a dream. It’s the kind of happiness that makes you question if it’s really happening.