3 pairs
Psalm 126:1 speaks of the joy and amazement when the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, which is historically connected to the decree of Cyrus allowing the Israelites to return from Babylonian exile, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-3.
Thematic focusRestoration, Joy, Return from Exile.
Psalm 126:5 speaks of sowing in tears and reaping with joy, which parallels the encouragement in Galatians 6:9 to not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
Thematic focusPerseverance, Reward, Joy.
Psalm 126:6 describes those who go out weeping, bearing seed for sowing, will return with shouts of joy, bringing in the sheaves. This is echoed in John 4:36, where Jesus speaks of the sower and reaper rejoicing together.
Thematic focusHarvest, Joy, Evangelism.