Psalms 125-127

Psalm 125

¹A Song of degrees. They that confide in Jehovah are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved; it abideth for ever.

²Jerusalem! -- mountains are round about her, and Jehovah is round about his people, from henceforth and for evermore.

³For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

⁴Do good, O Jehovah, unto the good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

⁵But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 126

¹A Song of degrees. When Jehovah turned the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

²Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing: then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.

³Jehovah hath done great things for us; and we are joyful.

⁴Turn our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the south.

⁵They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:

⁶He goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for scattering; he cometh again with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves.

Psalm 127

¹A Song of degrees. Of Solomon. Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

²It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

³Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb a reward.

⁴As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

⁵Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.