New Living Translation NLT
The Message Bible MSG
1 When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
1
It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.”
2
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 amazing things for us! What joy!
3
God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
4
And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
5
So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
6
So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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.