Psalm 126

Zion’s Restoration

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a]
we were like those who dream.(A)
Our mouths were filled with laughter then,(B)
and our tongues with shouts of joy.(C)
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”(D)
The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.(E)

Restore our fortunes,[b] Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.(F)
Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.(G)
Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.(H)

Psalm 127

The Blessing of the Lord

A Solomonic song of ascents.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
its builders labor over it in vain;(I)
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.(J)
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](K)

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,
children, a reward.(L)
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons born in one’s youth.(M)
Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.(N)
Such men will never be put to shame
when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.(O)

Psalm 128

Blessings for Those Who Fear God

A song of ascents.

How happy is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in His ways!(P)
You will surely eat
what your hands have worked for.(Q)
You will be happy,
and it will go well for you.(R)
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house,
your sons, like young olive trees
around your table.(S)
In this very way
the man who fears the Lord
will be blessed.(T)

May the Lord bless you from Zion,
so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life(U)
and will see your children’s children!

Peace be with Israel.(V)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord returned those of Zion who had been captives
  2. Psalm 126:4 Or Return our captives
  3. Psalm 127:2 Or yes, He gives such things to His loved ones while [they] sleep

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