The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
1
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
2 We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!"
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Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
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The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
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Restore our fortunes,LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
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Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
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Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.