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    Psalm 126  
     
1
  When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, 
    then were we like those who dream.
     
2
  Then was our mouth filled with laughter 
    and our tongue with songs of joy.
     
3
  Then said they among the nations, 
    'The Lord has done great things for them.'
     
4
  The Lord has indeed done great things for us, 
    and therefore we rejoiced.
     
5
  Restore again our fortunes, O Lord, 
    as the river beds of the desert.
     
6
  Those who sow in tears 
    shall reap with songs of joy.
     
7
  Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed, 
    will come back with shouts of joy,
    bearing their sheaves with them.
       
    Psalm 127  
     
1
  Unless the Lord builds the house, 
    those who build it labour in vain.
     
2
  Unless the Lord keeps the city, 
    the guard keeps watch in vain.
     
3
  It is in vain that you hasten to rise up early
    and go so late to rest, eating the bread of toil, 
    for he gives his beloved sleep.
     
     
4
  Children are a heritage from the Lord 
    and the fruit of the womb is his gift.
     
5
  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, 
    so are the children of one's youth.
     
6
  Happy are those who have their quiver full of them: 
    they shall not be put to shame
    when they dispute with their enemies in the gate.
       
    Psalm 128  
     
1
  Blessed are all those who fear the Lord, 
    and walk in his ways.
     
2
  You shall eat the fruit of the toil of your hands; 
    it shall go well with you, and happy shall you be.
     
3
  Your wife within your house
    shall be like a fruitful vine; 
    your children round your table,
    like fresh olive branches.
     
4
  Thus shall the one be blest 
    who fears the Lord.
     
5
  The Lord from out of Zion bless you, 
    that you may see Jerusalem in prosperity
    all the days of your life.
     
6
  May you see your children's children, 
    and may there be peace upon Israel.
       
    Psalm 129  
     
1
  'Many a time have they fought against me from my youth,' 
    may Israel now say;
     
2
  'Many a time have they fought against me from my youth, 
    but they have not prevailed against me.'
     
3
  The ploughers ploughed upon my back 
    and made their furrows long.
     
4
  But the righteous Lord 
    has cut the cords of the wicked in pieces.
     
     
5
  Let them be put to shame and turned backwards, 
    as many as are enemies of Zion.
     
6
  Let them be like grass upon the housetops, 
    which withers before it can grow,
     
7
  So that no reaper can fill his hand, 
    nor a binder of sheaves his bosom;
     
8
  And none who go by may say,
    'The blessing of the Lord be upon you. 
    We bless you in the name of the Lord.'
       
    Psalm 130  
     
1
  Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord;
    Lord, hear my voice; 
    let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
     
2
  If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss, 
    O Lord, who could stand?
     
3
  But there is forgiveness with you, 
    so that you shall be feared.
     
4
  I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; 
    in his word is my hope.
     
5
  My soul waits for the Lord,
    more than the night watch for the morning, 
    more than the night watch for the morning.
     
     
6
  O Israel, wait for the Lord, 
    for with the Lord there is mercy;
     
7
  With him is plenteous redemption 
    and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
     
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