Psalms 126

1 [A Song of Ascents.] When Jehovah brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

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 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 laughed so much, we sang for joy. The other nations said, “The Lord has done wonderful things for these people.”

3 Jehovah has done great things for us, and we are glad.

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

4 Restore our fortunes again, Jehovah, like the streams in the Negev.

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

5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

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

6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

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