1Ein Lied für Festbesucher, die nach Jerusalem hinaufziehen. Als der HERR uns aus der Gefangenschaft nach Jerusalem zurückbrachte,[1] da kamen wir uns vor wie im Traum.2Wir lachten aus vollem Hals und jubelten laut vor Freude. Auch die anderen Völker mussten zugeben: »Was der HERR für sie getan hat, ist groß und gewaltig!«3Ja, der HERR hat große Taten für uns vollbracht! Wir waren außer uns vor Freude.4HERR, wende auch jetzt unser düsteres Geschick zum Guten,[2] so wie du ausgetrocknete Bäche wieder mit Wasser füllst!5Wer die Saat mit Tränen aussät, wird voller Freude die Ernte einbringen.6Weinend geht er hinaus und streut die Samen aufs Feld; doch wenn er zurückkommt, jubelt er über die reiche Ernte.
A song for those who go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
1Our enemies took us away from Zion. But when the LORD brought us home, it seemed like a dream to us.2Our mouths were filled with laughter. Our tongues sang with joy. Then the people of other nations said, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’3The LORD has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy.4LORD, bless us with great success again, as rain makes streams flow in the Negev Desert.5Those who cry as they plant their crops will sing with joy when they gather them in.6Those who go out weeping as they carry seeds to plant will come back singing with joy. They will bring the new crop back with them.
1A Song of Ascents. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. (Ps 14,7; Ps 120,1; Apg 12,9)2Then 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.” (Hi 8,21; Ps 71,19)3The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.4Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!5Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (Esr 6,22; Neh 12,43; Jer 31,9; Hag 2,3; Gal 6,9)6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.