Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored(A) the fortunes of[a] Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.[b]
Our mouths were filled with laughter,(B)
    our tongues with songs of joy.(C)
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things(D) for them.”
The Lord has done great things(E) for us,
    and we are filled with joy.(F)

Restore our fortunes,[c](G) Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.(H)
Those who sow with tears(I)
    will reap(J) with songs of joy.(K)
Those who go out weeping,(L)
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to
  2. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
  3. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,(A)
    who have ears but are deaf.(B)
All the nations gather together(C)
    and the peoples assemble.
Which of their gods foretold(D) this
    and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
    so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”
10 “You are my witnesses,(E)” declares the Lord,
    “and my servant(F) whom I have chosen,
so that you may know(G) and believe me
    and understand that I am he.
Before me no god(H) was formed,
    nor will there be one after me.(I)
11 I, even I, am the Lord,(J)
    and apart from me there is no savior.(K)
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
    I, and not some foreign god(L) among you.
You are my witnesses,(M)” declares the Lord, “that I am God.
13     Yes, and from ancient days(N) I am he.(O)
No one can deliver out of my hand.
    When I act, who can reverse it?”(P)

God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness

14 This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer,(Q) the Holy One(R) of Israel:
“For your sake I will send to Babylon
    and bring down as fugitives(S) all the Babylonians,[a](T)
    in the ships in which they took pride.
15 I am the Lord,(U) your Holy One,
    Israel’s Creator,(V) your King.(W)

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 43:14 Or Chaldeans

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(A) and fellow soldier,(B) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(C) 26 For he longs for all of you(D) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,(E) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,(F) 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.(G)

No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,(H) and it is a safeguard for you.

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