1 [A song for going up to worship.] When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, it was as if we were dreaming.

2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful songs. Then the nations said, "The LORD has done spectacular things for them."

3 The LORD has done spectacular things for us. We are overjoyed.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, as you restore streams [to dry riverbeds] in the Negev.

5 Those who cry while they plant will joyfully sing while they harvest.

6 The person who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed, will come home singing, carrying his bundles of grain.