Psalm 125–131

Psalm 125

A song of ascents.

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,v

which cannot be shakenw but endures forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,x

so the Lord surroundsy his people

both now and forevermore.

3 The scepterz of the wicked will not remaina

over the land allotted to the righteous,

for then the righteous might use

their hands to do evil.b

4 Lord, do goodc to those who are good,

to those who are upright in heart.d

5 But those who turne to crooked waysf

the Lord will banishg with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.h

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restoredi the fortunes ofa Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.b

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,j

our tongues with songs of joy.k

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great thingsl for them.”

3 The Lord has done great thingsm for us,

and we are filled with joy.n

4 Restore our fortunes,c o Lord,

like streams in the Negev.p

5 Those who sow with tearsq

will reapr with songs of joy.s

6 Those who go out weeping,t

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord buildsu the house,

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watchesv over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for foodw to eat—

for he grants sleepx toa those he loves.y

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a rewardz from him.

4 Like arrowsa in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.b

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their opponentsc in court.d

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,e

who walk in obedience to him.f

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;g

blessings and prosperityh will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vinei

within your house;

your childrenj will be like olive shootsk

around your table.

4 Yes, this will be the blessingl

for the man who fears the Lord.m

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion;n

may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemo

all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children’s children—p

peace be on Israel.q

Psalm 129

A song of ascents.

1 “They have greatly oppressedr me from my youth,”s

let Israel say;t

2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,

but they have not gained the victoryu over me.

3 Plowmen have plowed my back

and made their furrows long.

4 But the Lord is righteous;v

he has cut me freew from the cords of the wicked.”x

5 May all who hate Ziony

be turned back in shame.z

6 May they be like grass on the roof,a

which withersb before it can grow;

7 a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,c

nor one who gathers fill his arms.

8 May those who pass by not say to them,

“The blessing of the Lord be on you;

we bless youd in the name of the Lord.”

Psalm 130

A song of ascents.

1 Out of the depthse I cry to you,f Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice.g

Let your ears be attentiveh

to my cry for mercy.i

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?j

4 But with you there is forgiveness,k

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.l

5 I wait for the Lord,m my whole being waits,n

and in his wordo I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord

more than watchmenp wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning.q

7 Israel, put your hoper in the Lord,

for with the Lord is unfailing loves

and with him is full redemption.t

8 He himself will redeemu Israel

from all their sins.v

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 My heart is not proud,w Lord,

my eyes are not haughty;x

I do not concern myself with great mattersy

or things too wonderful for me.z

2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,a

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child I am content.b

3 Israel, put your hopec in the Lord

both now and forevermore.d