Consider seeing this poem in two major sections. Verses 1-3 could be a dream (night). Verses 4-6 are set in the Prairies on a golden day.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
NIGHT dream sequence
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
DAY Prairie sequence
SECTION 1 vs 1-3 ( night )
Note a few structural points –
- count off : 1 when, 2 then, 3 then, 4 the, 5 the on one hands fingers.
- Notice “We” comes in the first and fifth line –
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
The first section is a Night DREAM Sequence: I have set this in a circus – you the reader are the vet tending a rather weary lion!
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Restore a fortunate lion in a circus evening show ( restore the fortunes of Zion ) you are dreaming
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
As the lion comes round laugh hilariously – ( perhaps fill your mouth with lager to celebrate?)
note mouth before tongue
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
The circus international audience start saying to each other ( then they said among the nations ) :
The Lord has done great things for Ben'( the lion ! ) they are admiring your veterinary skills, (The Lord has done great things for THEM)
You say, The Lord has done great things for Gus ( the lion’s second name!) ( The Lord has done great things for US )
We are glad.
The audience shout, ” We are Glad!”
Section 2 vs 4 – 6 (day)
In this section of the psalm go out onto the Prairies in the MORNING sun There are four scenes –
- vegetable patch: with stream and fountain
- field 1 with freshly turned soil ready for sowing, field 2 with wheat ready to harvest – reap
- Lanes outside the farm gate
- Returning from the Market
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
Restore a fountain fed by streams in your vegetable patch (Negeb)
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
Walk on to field 1 sowing seed in tiered – terraced rows. Each seed also has a tear painted on it.
In field 2 scythe your mature crop – reap with shouts of joy
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Go out onto the LANE beyond the farm gate – weeping and carrying a huge sack of seed on your back ( bearing the seed) to the market
You come home from the market with shouts of joy in your trailer full of sheaves with a bell ringing (bringing)
