1 T o the Overseer. -- `On the Lilies,' by David. Save me, O God, for come have waters unto the soul.

2 I have sunk in deep mire, And there is no standing, I have come into the depths of the waters, And a flood hath overflown me.

3 I have been wearied with my calling, Burnt hath been my throat, Consumed have been mine eyes, waiting for my God.

4 T hose hating me without cause Have been more than the hairs of my head, Mighty have been my destroyers, My lying enemies, That which I took not away -- I bring back.

5 O God, Thou -- Thou hast known Concerning my overturn, And my desolations from Thee have not been hid.

6 L et not those waiting on Thee be ashamed because of me, O Lord, Jehovah of Hosts, Let not those seeking Thee Blush because of me, O God of Israel.

7 F or because of Thee I have borne reproach, Shame hath covered my face.

8 A stranger I have been to my brother, And a foreigner to sons of my mother.

9 F or zeal for Thy house hath consumed me, And the reproaches of Thy reproachers Have fallen upon me.

10 A nd I weep in the fasting of my soul, And it is for a reproach to me.

11 A nd I make my clothing sackcloth, And I am to them for a simile.

12 T hose sitting at the gate meditate concerning me, And those drinking strong drink, Play on instruments.

13 A nd I -- my prayer to Thee, O Jehovah, A time of good pleasure, O God, In the abundance of Thy kindness, Answer me in the truth of Thy salvation.

14 D eliver me from the mire, and let me not sink, Let me be delivered from those hating me, And from deep places of waters.

15 L et not a flood of waters overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up, Nor let the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 A nswer me, O Jehovah, for good Thy kindness, According to the abundance Of Thy mercies turn Thou unto me,

17 A nd hide not Thy face from Thy servant, For I am in distress -- haste, answer me.

18 B e near unto my soul -- redeem it, Because of mine enemies ransom me.

19 T hou -- Thou hast known my reproach, And my shame, and my blushing, Before Thee all mine adversaries.

20 R eproach hath broken my heart, and I am sick, And I look for a bemoaner, and there is none, And for comforters, and I have found none.

21 A nd they give for my food gall, And for my thirst cause me to drink vinegar.

22 T heir table before them is for a snare, And for a recompence -- for a trap.

23 D arkened are their eyes from seeing, And their loins continually shake Thou.

24 P our upon them Thine indignation, And the fierceness of Thine anger doth seize them.

25 T heir tower is desolated, In their tents there is no dweller.

26 F or they have pursued him Thou hast smitten, And recount of the pain of Thy pierced ones.

27 G ive punishment for their iniquity, And they enter not into Thy righteousness.

28 T hey are blotted out of the book of life, And with the righteous are not written.

29 A nd I afflicted and pained, Thy salvation, O God, doth set me on high.

30 I praise the name of God with a song, And I magnify Him with thanksgiving,

31 A nd it is better to Jehovah than an ox, A bullock -- horned -- hoofed.

32 T he humble have seen -- they rejoice, Ye who seek God -- and your heart liveth.

33 F or Jehovah hearkeneth unto the needy, And His bound ones He hath not despised.

34 T he heavens and earth do praise Him, Seas, and every moving thing in them.

35 F or God doth save Zion, And doth build the cities of Judah, And they have dwelt there, and possess it.

36 A nd the seed of His servants inherit it, And those loving His name dwell in it!