Psalms 126

1 When Jehovah brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

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.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, Jehovah has done great things for them.

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!”

3 Jehovah has done great things for us. We are glad.

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

4 Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the South.

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.

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

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.

6 He who goes forth and weeps, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves.

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].