PSALM 125

A Song of Ascents.

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

which cannot be moved, but abides for ever.

2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem,

so the Lord is round about his people,

from this time forth and for evermore.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

upon the land allotted to the righteous,

lest the righteous put forth

their hands to do wrong.

4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,

and to those who are upright in their hearts!

5 But those who turn aside upon their crooked ways

the Lord will lead away with evildoers!

Peace be in Israel!

PSALM 126

A Song of Ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,l

we were like those who dream.

2 Then 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.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us;

we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like the watercourses in the Negeb!

5 May those who sow in tears

reap with shouts of joy!

6 He that goes forth weeping,

bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy,

bringing his sheaves with him.

PSALM 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for* he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has

his quiver full of them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.