Psalm 126

Thanksgiving for Return from Captivity.

A Song of [a]Ascents.

1When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion (Jerusalem),
We were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal].

Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us;
We are glad!


Restore our [b]captivity, O Lord,
As the stream-beds in the South (the Negev) [are restored by torrents of rain].

They who sow in tears shall reap with joyful singing.

He who goes back and forth weeping, carrying his bag of seed [for planting],
Will indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 See Psalm 120 title note.
  2. Psalm 126:4 I.e. the remaining exiles.