Psalm 126 - New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

Psalm 126[a]

The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes

1 A song of ascents.

I

When the Lord restored the captives of Zion,(A)
we thought we were dreaming.
2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter;
our tongues sang for joy.(B)
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord had done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
Oh, how happy we were!
4 Restore our captives, Lord,
like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.[b]

II

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.(C)
6 Those who go forth weeping,
carrying sacks of seed,
Will return with cries of joy,
carrying their bundled sheaves.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126 A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6).
  2. 126:4 Like the dry stream beds of the Negeb: the psalmist prays for rain in such abundance that the dry riverbeds will run.

Cross references

  1. 126:1 : Ps 14:7.
  2. 126:2 : Jb 8:21.
  3. 126:5 : Bar 4:23; Is 65:19.

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A Harvest of JoyA Song of Ascents.126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a] we were like those who dream.2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”3 The Lord has done great things...
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Psalm 126 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

Psalm 126A Harvest of JoyA Song of Ascents.1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a] we were like those who dream.2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’3 The Lord has done gre...
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