Psalms 126

1 A Canticle in steps. When the Lord turned back the captivity of Zion, we became like those who are consoled.

A Song of the going up. When the Lord made a change in Zion's fate, we were like men in a dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with gladness and our tongue with exultation. Then they will say among the nations: “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Then our mouths were full of laughing, and our tongues gave a glad cry; they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.

3 The Lord has done great things for us. We have become joyful.

The Lord has done great things for us; because of which we are glad.

4 Convert our captivity, O Lord, like a torrent in the south.

Let our fate be changed, O Lord, like the streams in the South.

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation.

Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy.

6 When departing, they went forth and wept, sowing their seeds. But when returning, they will arrive with exultation, carrying their sheaves.

Though a man may go out weeping, taking his vessel of seed with him; he will come again in joy, with the corded stems of grain in his arms.