Psalm 126:1–127:2

¹When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,

it was like a dream!

²We were filled with laughter,

and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said,

“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

³Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!

What joy!

⁴Restore our fortunes, Lord,

as streams renew the desert.

⁵Those who plant in tears

will harvest with shouts of joy.

⁶They weep as they go to plant their seed,

but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalm 127

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

¹Unless the Lord builds a house,

the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

guarding it with sentries will do no good.

²It is useless for you to work so hard

from early morning until late at night,

anxiously working for food to eat;

for God gives rest to his loved ones.