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New International Version (NIV) |
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1 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
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1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
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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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2 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."
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3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
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3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
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4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
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4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
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5 So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
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5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
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6 So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
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6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
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| 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. (The Message Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
