⁴⁴ Yes, fields will once again be bought and sold—deeds signed and sealed and witnessed—in the land of Benjamin and here in Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah and in the hill country, in the foothills of Judah^[a] and in the Negev, too. For someday I will restore prosperity to them. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

²⁶ And from all around Jerusalem, from the towns of Judah and Benjamin, from the western foothills^[a] and the hill country and the Negev, the people will come with their burnt offerings and sacrifices. They will bring their grain offerings, frankincense, and thanksgiving offerings to the Lord’s Temple.

²⁶ I will never abandon the descendants of Jacob or David, my servant, or change the plan that David’s descendants will rule the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, I will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.”

¹¹ the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. They will sing,

For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the Lord.

⁷ I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns.

¹⁰ I signed and sealed the deed of purchase before witnesses, weighed out the silver, and paid him.

³⁷ I will certainly bring my people back again from all the countries where I will scatter them in my fury. I will bring them back to this very city and let them live in peace and safety.

Psalm 126

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.