The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
The Message Bible MSG
1 A song of ascents: When ADONAI restored Tziyon's fortunes, we thought we were dreaming.
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It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
2 Our mouths were full of laughter, and our tongues shouted for joy. Among the nations it was said, "ADONAI 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 ADONAI did do great things with us; and we are overjoyed.
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God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
4 Return our people from exile, ADONAI, as streams fill vadis in the Negev.
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And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.
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So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
6 He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will come home with cries of joy as he carries his sheaves of grain.
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So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.