Psalm 126–127

A Prayer for Restoration

126A song of ascents.^a

¹When Yahweh restored the fortunes^b of Zion,^c

we were like dreamers.

²Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations,

“Yahweh has done great things for these people.”

³Yahweh has done great things for us;

we are glad.

⁴Restore, O Yahweh, our fortunes^d

like the streams in the Negeb.^e

⁵Those who sow with tears

shall reap with rejoicing.

⁶He who diligently goes out with weeping,

carrying the seed bag,

shall certainly come in with rejoicing,

carrying his sheaves.

A Prayer for Protection and Prosperity

127A song of ascents. Of Solomon.^a

¹Unless Yahweh builds a house,

its builders labor at it in vain.

Unless Yahweh guards a city,

a guard watches in vain.

²It is in vain for you who rise early and sit late,

eating the bread of anxious toil,

when thus he^b provides^c for his beloved in his sleep.^d

³Look, children^e are the heritage^f of Yahweh;

the fruit of the womb is a reward.

⁴Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

so are the children^g of one’s youth.

⁵Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.^h

They shall not be put to shame

when they speak with enemies at the gate.