Psalms 126

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

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

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

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

4 Turn, O Lord, our captivity, as the steams 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 They that 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 They went on and wept as they cast their seeds; but they shall surely come with exultation, bringing their sheaves [with them].

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].