The Message Bible MSG
World English Bible WEB
1 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
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<<A Song of Ascents.>> When Yahweh brought back those who returned to 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!"
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Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then said they among the nations, "Yahweh has done great things for them."
3 God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
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Yahweh has done great things for us, And we are glad.
4 And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
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Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, Like the streams in the Negev.
5 So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
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Those who sow in tears will reap in 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, carrying seed for sowing, Will assuredly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.
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 World English Bible is in the public domain.