The Babylonian Exile

He hath hedged me about, and I go not out, He hath made heavy my fetter.

Also when I call and cry out, He hath shut out my prayer.

He hath hedged my ways with hewn work, My paths He hath made crooked.

A bear lying in wait He is to me, A lion in secret hiding-places.

My ways He is turning aside, and He pulleth me in pieces, He hath made me a desolation.

He hath trodden His bow, And setteth me up as a mark for an arrow.

He hath caused to enter into my reins The sons of His quiver.

I have been a derision to all my people, Their song all the day.

He hath filled me with bitter things, He hath filled me with wormwood.

And He breaketh with gravel my teeth, He hath covered me with ashes.

And Thou castest off from peace my soul, I have forgotten prosperity.

And I say, Perished hath my strength and my hope from Jehovah.

Remember my affliction and my mourning, Wormwood and gall!

Remember well, and bow down doth my soul in me.

This I turn to my heart--therefore I hope.

The kindnesses of Jehovah! For we have not been consumed, For not ended have His mercies.

New every morning, abundant is thy faithfulness.

My portion is Jehovah, hath my soul said, Therefore I hope for Him.

Good is Jehovah to those waiting for Him, To the soul that seeketh Him.

Good! when one doth stay and stand still For the salvation of Jehovah.

Good for a man that he beareth a yoke in his youth.

He sitteth alone, and is silent, For He hath laid it upon him.

He putteth in the dust his mouth, if so be there is hope.

He giveth to his smiter the cheek, He is filled with reproach.

For the Lord doth not cast off to the age.