1 When God first brought us back from exile,
we were as dazed as those who dream.
Then were our mouths brimming with laughter;
joy from our lips gushed like a stream.
The godless cried in envious wonder,
""Look what the Lord has done for them!""
Indeed our God has greatly blessed us;
rejoice and sing, Jerusalem!
2 Once more, O lord, restore your people;
come with your saving help again,
as to the brookbeds in the desert
you bring the sweet, reviving rain.
Let those who sow with tears and sighing
sing as they reap and joy proclaim:
may those who weep when seed is scattered
gather their sheaves and praise your name.
