Psalms 126 YLT
Summary: A Song of Ascents celebrating a moment of national restoration, opening "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream" (v. 1), remembered as a time of such joy that even the surrounding nations remarked on it. It contains one of the Psalter's most quoted images of hope amid hardship: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (v. 5-6). It also prays for a further, still-needed restoration, comparing it to streams returning to the dry "south" (Negev).
1A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back to the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.
2Then filled with laughter is our mouth, And our tongue with singing, Then do they say among nations, `Jehovah did great things with these.'
3Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful.
4Turn again, O Jehovah, to our captivity, As streams in the south.
5Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,
6Whoso goeth on and weepeth, Bearing the basket of seed, Surely cometh in with singing, bearing his sheaves!
Also read this chapter in: KJV, WEB, ASV, WYC, GNV, WBT, DBY