Psalm 126

Zion’s Restoration

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a]
we were like those who dream.(A)
Our mouths were filled with laughter then,(B)
and our tongues with shouts of joy.(C)
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”(D)
The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.(E)

Restore our fortunes,[b] Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.(F)
Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.(G)
Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.(H)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord returned those of Zion who had been captives
  2. Psalm 126:4 Or Return our captives

Psalm 126

A pilgrimage song.

126 When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better,
    it was like we had been dreaming.
Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;
    our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.
It was even said, at that time, among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Yes, the Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are overjoyed.

Lord, change our circumstances for the better,
    like dry streams in the desert waste!
Let those who plant with tears
    reap the harvest with joyful shouts.
Let those who go out,
    crying and carrying their seed,
    come home with joyful shouts,
    carrying bales of grain!