Psalms 126

1 A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who 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 our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said amongst the nations, “The LORD has 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 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.

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

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

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 Those who sow in tears will 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 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying 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].