The Babylonian Exile

He hath walled me about, that I cannot go forth; he hath made my chain heavy.

Yea, when I cry, and call for help, he shutteth out my prayer.

He hath walled up my ways with hewn stone; he hath made my paths crooked.

He is unto me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.

He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; he hath made me desolate.

He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.

He hath caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my reins.

I am become a derision to all my people, and their song all the day.

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath sated me with wormwood.

He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones; he hath covered me with ashes.

And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace; I forgat prosperity.

And I said, My strength is perished, and mine expectation from Jehovah.

Remember mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is bowed down within me.

This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.

It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Jehovah.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he hath laid it upon him.

Let him put his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.

Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.

For the Lord will not cast off for ever.