Psalm 125:1-129:8

Psalm 125 1A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

3The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

4LORD, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. 5But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

Psalm 126 1A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Or Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Or those restored to health

2Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

3The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

4Restore our fortunes, Or Bring back our captives LORD, like streams in the Negev.

5Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 127 1A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for those he loves.

3Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 128 1A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.

2You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

4Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD .

5May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.

Psalm 129 1A song of ascents. “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say;

2“they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.

3Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.

4But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

5May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.

6May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow;

7a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms. 8May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD .”