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

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored(A) the fortunes of[a] Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.[b]
Our mouths were filled with laughter,(B)
    our tongues with songs of joy.(C)
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things(D) for them.”
The Lord has done great things(E) for us,
    and we are filled with joy.(F)

Restore our fortunes,[c](G) Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.(H)
Those who sow with tears(I)
    will reap(J) with songs of joy.(K)
Those who go out weeping,(L)
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds(M) the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches(N) over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food(O) to eat—
    for he grants sleep(P) to[d] those he loves.(Q)

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward(R) from him.
Like arrows(S) in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.(T)
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents(U) in court.(V)

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,(W)
    who walk in obedience to him.(X)
You will eat the fruit of your labor;(Y)
    blessings and prosperity(Z) will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine(AA)
    within your house;
your children(AB) will be like olive shoots(AC)
    around your table.
Yes, this will be the blessing(AD)
    for the man who fears the Lord.(AE)

May the Lord bless you from Zion;(AF)
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem(AG)
    all the days of your life.
May you live to see your children’s children—(AH)
    peace be on Israel.(AI)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to
  2. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
  3. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives
  4. Psalm 127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for