Study Desk

A Song of Ascents.

When the Lord ^(a)brought back ^[a]the captive ones of Zion, We were ^(b)like those who dream.

Then our ^(c)mouth was filled with laughter And our ^(d)tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has ^(e)done great things for them."

The Lord has done great things for us; We are ^(f)glad.

Restore our captivity, O Lord , As the ^[b](g)streams in the ^[c]South.

Those who sow in ^(h)tears shall reap with ⁽ⁱ⁾joyful shouting.

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.

Unless the Lord ^(a)builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord ^(b)guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, To ^[a]retire late, To ^(c)eat the bread of ^[b]painful labors; For He gives to His ^(d)beloved ^(e)even in his sleep.

Behold, ^(f)children are a ^[c]gift of the Lord , The ^(g)fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a ^(h)warrior, So are the children of one's youth.

How ⁽ⁱ⁾blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; ^(j)They will not be ashamed When they ^(k)speak with their enemies ^(l)in the gate.

A Song of Ascents.

^(a)How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord , Who ^(b)walks in His ways.

When you shall ^(c)eat of the ^[a](d)fruit of your hands, You will be happy and ^(e)it will be well with you.

Your wife shall be like a ^(f)fruitful vine ^[b]Within your house, Your children like ^(g)olive plants Around your table.

Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord .

^(h)The Lord bless you ⁽ⁱ⁾from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

Indeed, may you see your ^(j)children's children. ^(k)Peace be upon Israel!