Psalm
A prayer of the oppressed one when he is in despair* and pours out his concern before Jehovah.+
2 Do not hide your face from me in my time of distress.+
3 For my days are vanishing like smoke,
And my bones are charred like a fireplace.+
4 My heart has been struck down like grass and has withered,+
For I forget to eat my food.
6 I resemble the pelican of the wilderness;
I am like a little owl among the ruins.
8 All day long my enemies taunt me.+
Those who mock me* use my name as a curse.
9 For I eat ashes as my bread,+
And my drink is mingled with tears,+
10 Because of your anger and your indignation,
For you lifted me up only to cast me aside.
13 Surely you will rise up and show mercy on Zion,+
For it is time to show her your favor;+
The appointed time has come.+
15 The nations will fear the name of Jehovah,
And all the kings of the earth your glory.+
18 This is written for the future generation,+
So that a people yet to be brought forth* will praise Jah.
19 For he looks down from his holy height,+
From the heavens Jehovah views the earth,
20 To hear the sighing of the prisoner,+
To release those sentenced to death,+
21 So that the name of Jehovah will be declared in Zion+
And his praise in Jerusalem,
22 When the peoples and kingdoms
Gather together to serve Jehovah.+
23 He prematurely robbed me of my strength;
He cut short my days.
24 I said: “O my God,
Do not do away with me in the middle of my life,
You whose years span all generations.+
25 Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of your hands.+
26 They will perish, but you will remain;
Just like a garment they will all wear out.
Just like clothing you will replace them, and they will pass away.
27 But you are the same, and your years will never end.+
28 The children of your servants will dwell securely,
And their offspring will be firmly established before you.”+