Psalm 126-130 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Psalm 126 A Song of [a]Ascents. 1 When the Lord brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]. 2 Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. 3 The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad! 4 Turn to freedom our captivity and restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the South (the Negeb) [are restored by the torrents]. 5 They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing. 6 He who goes forth bearing seed and weeping [at needing his precious supply of grain for sowing] shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 127 A Song of [b]Ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil—for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! They will not be put to shame when they speak with their adversaries [in gatherings] at the [city’s] gate. Psalm 128 A Song of [c]Ascents. 1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. 2 For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord. 5 May the Lord bless you out of Zion [His sanctuary], and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life; 6 Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 129 A Song of [d]Ascents. 1 Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up—let Israel now say— 2 Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows. 4 The Lord is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He has cut asunder the thick cords by which the wicked [enslaved us]. 5 Let them all be put to shame and turned backward who hate Zion. 6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up, 7 With which the mower fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his bosom— 8 While those who go by do not say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord! Psalm 130 A Song of [e]Ascents. 1 Out of the depths have I cried to You, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If You, Lord, should keep account of and treat [us according to our] sins, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with You [just what man needs], that You may be reverently feared and worshiped. 5 I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. 6 I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption. 8 And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. Footnotes: Psalm 126:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote. Psalm 127:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote. Psalm 128:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote. Psalm 129:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote. Psalm 130:1 See Psalm 120 title footnote. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation