They Have Not Prevailed

Verses 1–3 · a long history of affliction

1. ^{verse 1}Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth— let Israel now declare—
2. ^{verse 2}many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.
3. ^{verse 3}The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.

Verses 4–8 · the righteous LORD who has cut the cords

1. ^{verse 4}The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.
2. ^{verse 5}May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
3. ^{verse 6}May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
4. ^{verse 7}unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves.
5. ^{verse 8}May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”