1A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before YHWH.
2YHWH, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
3Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress; incline your ear to me; in the day I call, answer me speedily.
4For my days are consumed in smoke, and my bones are scorched like a hearth.
5My heart is smitten like grass and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.
6From the sound of my groaning, my bone clings to my flesh (basar).
7I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl of the ruins.
8I keep watch, and I am like a sparrow alone upon a roof.
9All the day my enemies reproach me; those who rave against me swear by me.
10For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,
11because of your indignation and your wrath, for you have lifted me up and cast me away.
12My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I, like grass, wither.
13But you, YHWH, abide forever, and your remembrance to generation and generation.
14You will arise, you will have compassion on Zion, for it is time to favor her, for the appointed time (moed) has come.
15For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and they favor her dust (aphar).
16And the nations shall fear the name of YHWH, and all the kings of the earth your glory.
17For YHWH has built Zion; he has appeared in his glory.
18He has turned to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.
19Let this be written for a later generation, and a people to be created shall praise Yah.
20For he has looked down from the height of his holiness; YHWH from heaven looked upon the earth,
21to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to set free the sons of death,
22to declare in Zion the name of YHWH, and his praise in Jerusalem,
23when peoples are gathered together, and kingdoms, to serve (avad) YHWH.
24He has afflicted my strength in the way; he has shortened my days.
25I say: "My God, take me not up in the midst of my days; your years are through generation of generations."
26Of old you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
27They shall perish, but you shall stand; and all of them shall wear out like a garment; like clothing you shall change them, and they shall pass away.
28But you are he, and your years shall not be ended.
29The sons of your servants shall dwell, and their seed shall be established before you.