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.
6
He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
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 English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.