Psalms 126

1 A Song of Degrees. When the Lord turned the captivity of Sion, we became as comforted ones.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. When the Lord brought his people back from captivity to Zion, it was as if we were dreaming!

2 Then was our mouth filled with joy, and our tongue with exultation: then would they say amongst the Gentiles,

We laughed so much, we sang for joy. The other nations said, “The Lord has done wonderful things for these people.”

3 The Lord has done great things amongst them. The Lord has done great things for us, we became joyful.

The Lord certainly has done wonderful things for us. How happy we were!

4 Turn, O Lord, our captivity, as the steams in the south.

Please return and help us again, Lord. Renew us like streams of water that renew the Negev desert.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy!

6 They went on and wept as they cast their seeds; but they shall surely come with exultation, bringing their sheaves [with them].

Those who weep as they go out to sow their seed will be singing in celebration when they carry the harvest home.