Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 When the LORD changed Zion's circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming.
1
It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
2 Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them!"
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We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!"
3 Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.
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God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
4 LORD, change our circumstances for the better, like dry streams in the desert waste!
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And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
5 Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts.
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So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
6 Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seed, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain!
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So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
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.