Psalms 126

1 “A psalm of the steps, or the goings up.” When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like them that dream.

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 laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then said they among the nations, “The LORD hath done great things for them!”

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 Yea, the LORD hath done great things for us, For which we are glad.

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

4 Bring back, O LORD! our captivity, Like streams 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 who 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 Yea, he goeth forth weeping, bearing his seed; He shall surely come back rejoicing, bearing his sheaves.

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].