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.
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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.
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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.
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So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.