Psalms 126

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

When Jehovah brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 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.’

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.

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

Jehovah has done great things for us. We are glad.

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

Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the South.

5 They who sow in tears shall reap with glad shouts.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 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.

He who goes forth and weeps, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves.