On the return from the captivity

1Oh, give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. 2Let the redeemed of the LORD, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, 3And gathered out of the lands, from the east and west, from the north and south, say that He is good.

4Some wandered alone in the wilderness; finding no way to a city where they might dwell. 5Hungry and thirsty, their lives ebbed away. 6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He rescued them out of their distresses. 7And He led them forth by a straight way, to a city they could inhabit. 8Let them give thanks and praise to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful deeds for the children of men! 9For He satisfies the thirsty soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

10Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, imprisoned and afflicted in iron chains, 11Because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High: 12Therefore He subjected them to hard labor; they stumbled, and there was none to help. 13Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains. 15Oh, that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful deeds for the children of men! 16For He breaks the gates of bronze, and cuts the bars of iron in pieces.

17Some were foolish, and because of their rebellion and transgressions, suffered affliction. 18They loathed all food; and they drew near to the gates of death. 19Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 20He sent His word, and healed them, and rescued them from destruction. 21Oh, that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works for the children of men! 22And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

23Some went out to the sea in ships, doing commerce in great seas, 24These saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. 25For He spoke, and raised the stormy wind, which lifted high its waves. 26That mounted up to the heavens, they went down again to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits' end. 28Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their danger. 29He calmed the storm, so that the waves were still. 30Then they were glad for the calm; so He brought them safely to their desired haven. 31Oh, that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works for the children of men! 32Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.

33He turned rivers into a desert, and flowing springs into dry ground; 34A fruitful land into barren wasteland, for the wickedness of those who lived there. 35He turned the desert into pools of water, and dry ground into springs of water; 36And there He brought the hungry to dwell, where they could build a city for their home, 37And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, to yield its fruitful harvest. 38He blessed them, so that they were greatly multiplied; and enabled their cattle to increase. 39Then, when their numbers decrease and they are humbled by oppression, affliction, and sorrow, 40He pours out contempt on rulers; and makes them wander in trackless wastelands. 41But He lifts the poor and needy out of their affliction, and increases their families like flocks. 42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice; and all the wicked shall be astounded and silenced. 43Let those who are wise observe and heed these things; then reflect upon, and understand the loving-kindness of the LORD.