Psalm 126–127

Psalm 126

ZION’S RESTORATION

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,A

we were like those who dream.g

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter then,h

and our tongues with shouts of joy.i

Then they said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”j

3 The Lord had done great things for us;

we were joyful.k

4 Restore our fortunes,B Lord,

like watercourses in the Negev.l

5 Those who sow in tears

will reap with shouts of joy.m

6 Though one goes along weeping,

carrying the bag of seed,

he will surely come back with shouts of joy,

carrying his sheaves.n

Psalm 127

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds a house,

its builders labor over it in vain;o

unless the Lord watches over a city,

the watchman stays alert in vain.p

2 In vain you get up early and stay up late,

working hard to have enough food—

yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.C,q

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,

offspring, a reward.r

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons born in one’s youth.s

5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.t

They will never be put to shame

when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.u