Psalms 126

1 When Yahweh brought [us Israeli people] back to Jerusalem (OR, enabled us Israelis to prosper again), [it was wonderful]; it seemed as though [SIM] we were dreaming.

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 We were extremely happy, and we [SYN] continued shouting joyfully. Then the [other] people-groups said about us, “Yahweh has done great things for them!”

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

3 [And we say, “Yes], Yahweh [truly] has done great things for us, and we are [very] happy.”

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

4 Yahweh, when it rains, water flows in the streams again [after they were dry] [SIM]. Similarly, enable our nation to become great again like it was before.

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

5 We cried when we planted [seeds because it was hard work preparing the soil that had not been plowed for many years]; [now we want to] shout joyfully because we are gathering a [big] harvest.

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

6 Those who cried as they carried the [bags of] seeds [to the fields] will shout joyfully when they bring the crops [to their houses at harvest time].

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