The Message Bible MSG
English Standard Version ESV
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 dream.
2 We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!"
2
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them. ”
3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
3
The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
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Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!
5 So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
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Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
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He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.