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Psalm 126[a]

The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes

A song of ascents.

I

When the Lord restored the captives of Zion,(A)
    we thought we were dreaming.
Then our mouths were filled with laughter;
    our tongues sang for joy.(B)
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord had done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
    Oh, how happy we were!

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126 A lament probably sung shortly after Israel’s return from exile. The people rejoice that they are in Zion (Ps 126:1–3) but mere presence in the holy city is not enough; they must pray for the prosperity and the fertility of the land (Ps 126:4). The last verses are probably an oracle of promise: the painful work of sowing will be crowned with life (Ps 126:5–6).