Psalms 126

1 When the lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted.

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 Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath 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 The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.

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

4 Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.

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

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

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

6 Going they went and wept, casting their seeds. But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.

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