To the director.[106] To the tune of "The Deer of Dawn."[107] A song of David.[108]
<1> My God, my God,
why did you leave me?
Are you too far away to save me,
too far to hear my cries for help?
<2> My God, I kept calling by day,
and I was not silent at night.
But you did not answer me.
<3> God, you are the Holy One.
You sit as King upon the praises of Israel.[109]
<4> Our ancestors[110] trusted you.
Yes, they trusted you, and you saved them.
<5> Our ancestors called to you for help,
and they escaped their enemies.
They trusted you,
and they were not disappointed!
<6> But I feel like a worm, less than human!
People insult me and look down on me.
<7> Everyone who sees me makes fun of me.
They shake their heads and stick out their tongues at me.
<8> They say, "Call to the Lord for help.
Maybe he will save you.
If he likes you so much,
then surely he will rescue you!"
<9> God, the truth is
you really are the one I depend on.
You have taken care of me
since the day I was born.
You assured and comforted me
while I was still at my mother's breasts.
<10> You have been my God
since the day I was born.
I was thrown into your arms
as I came from my mother's womb.
<11> So don't leave me!
Trouble is near, and there is no one to help me.
<12> My enemies have surrounded me
like angry bulls.
<13> Their mouths are opened wide,
like a lion roaring and tearing at its prey.
<14> My strength is gone,
like water poured out on the ground.
My bones have separated.
My courage is gone.[111]
<15> My mouth[112] is as dry as a piece of baked pottery.
My tongue is sticking to the roof of my mouth.
You have left me dying in the dust.
<16> The "dogs" are all around me-
a pack[113] of evil people has trapped me.
They have pierced my hands and my feet.[114]
<17> I can see each one of my bones.
My enemies are looking at me;
they just keep staring.
<18> They divide my clothes among them,
and they throw lots[115] for what I am wearing.
<19> Lord, don't leave me!
You are my strength- hurry and help me!
<20> Save me from the sword.
Save my precious life from these dogs.
<21> Rescue me from the lion's mouth.
Protect me from the bulls' horns.[116]
<22> I will tell my people about you.
I will praise you in the great assembly.
<23> Praise the Lord, all you who worship him!
Honor him, you descendants of Jacob[117]!
Fear and respect him, all you people of Israel,[118]
<24> because he is not ashamed of the poor.
He does not hate them.
He does not turn away from them.
He listens when they cry for help.
<25> Lord, my praise in the great assembly
comes from you.
In front of all these worshipers
I will offer the sacrifices that I promised.
<26> Poor people, come eat and be satisfied.[119]
You who have come looking for the Lord, praise him!
May your hearts be happy[120] forever.
<27> May those in faraway countries
remember the Lord
and come back to him.
May those in distant lands worship him,
<28> because the Lord is the King.
He rules all nations.
<29> The people have eaten all they wanted
and bowed down to worship the Lord.
Yes, everyone will bow down to him-
those who are on the way to the grave
and those who are not yet alive.
<30> Our descendants will serve him.
Those who are not yet born will be told about him.
<31> Each generation will tell their children
about the good things our Master has done.
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.