God

For he does not arbitrarily torment or punish human beings.

When anyone tramples underfoot any of the prisoners of the land;

when anyone deprives a person of justice, in defiance of the Most High;

when someone is cheated of justice in court -does Adonai not take note of such things?

Who can say something and have it happen without Adonai's commanding it?

Don't both bad things and good proceed from the mouth of the Most High?

Let us examine and test our ways and return to ADONAI.

Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven and say,

"We, for our part, have transgressed and rebelled; you, for your part, have not forgiven.

"You have covered us with anger, pursued and slaughtered us without pity.

You have covered yourself with a cloud so thick that no prayer can pass through.

until ADONAI looks down and sees from heaven.

I called on your name, ADONAI, from the bottom of the pit.

You heard my voice; don't close your ear at my sighs, at my cries.

You came near when I called to you; you said, "Don't be afraid."

Adonai, you defended my cause; you redeemed my life.

ADONAI, you see how I have been wronged; give judgment in my favor!

You have heard their taunts, ADONAI, and all their plots against me,

Repay them, ADONAI, as their deeds deserve.

Give them hardheartedness as your curse on them.

Pursue them in anger! Destroy them from under your heavens!

ADONAI has finished with his fury, he has poured out his blazing wrath; he kindled a fire in Tziyon that consumed its very foundations.

ADONAI himself scattered them; he will no longer look after them; they had no respect for cohanim and showed no kindness to the leaders.

ADONAI's anointed, our life-breath, was caught in their pits; though of him we had said, "Under his protection, we can live among the nations."

Your offenses, daughter of Tziyon, are atoned for; he will keep you in exile no longer. Your offenses, daughter of Edom, he will punish; he will expose your sins.