He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].
Ver. 6. He that goeth forth and weepeth] Heb. he that going goeth, &c., which Luther interprets of temptations continued, and mutually succeeding one another; taking their turns upon a poor soul.
And weepeth] Going and weeping, and asking the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, Jeremiah 50:4,5. Some faces appear most orientally beautiful when most stamped with sorrow.
Bearing precious seed] Such as are hope and faith in the truth of God's promises. Some render it seed of acquisition, such as the poor seeds man hath got, prece et precio, by praying and paying dear for it. Some, bearing a seed basket, or seed-lop, canistrum (Leo Judae Bucer).
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing] Only he must have patience, James 5:7 .
Bringing his sheaves with him] Or, after so me, their handfuls, even gripes of gladness, as Philpot the martyr rendereth it. Then shall Abraham, the good mower, saith another, bind us up into sheaves as pure corn; and fill his bosom full with us; carrying us into the Lord's barn, to make a joyful harvest in heaven.