Psalm 126–127

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.

¹When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion,

We were like unto them that dream.

²Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

And our tongue with singing:

Then said they among the nations,

Jehovah hath done great things for them.

³Jehovah hath done great things for us,

Whereof we are glad.

⁴Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah,

As the streams in the South.

⁵They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

⁶He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents; of Solomon.

¹Except Jehovah build the house,

They labor in vain that build it:

Except Jehovah keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain.

²It is vain for you to rise up early,

To take rest late,

To eat the bread of toil;

For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

³Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah;

And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

⁴As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,

So are the children of youth.

⁵Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:

They shall not be put to shame,

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.