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 ascents. When the Lord turned the fortunes of Zion, we were like dreamers.

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 was our mouth filled with laughter, our tongue with glad shouts; then among the nations they said, ‘The Lord has dealt greatly with them.’

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

The Lord had dealt greatly with us, and we were rejoicing.

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

Turn our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the Negreb.

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation.

They who sow in tears shall reap with glad shouts.

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

Forth they fare, with their burden of seed, and they weep as they go. But home, home, with glad shouts they shall come with their arms full of sheaves.