1 “A psalm of the steps, or the goings up.” Much have they afflicted me from my youth, May Israel now say;
2 Much have they afflicted me from my youth, Yet have they not prevailed against me.
3 The ploughers ploughed up my back; They made long their furrows;
4 But the LORD was righteous; He cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5 Let all be driven back with shame Who hate Zion!
6 Let them be as grass upon the house-tops, Which withereth before one pulleth it up;
7 With which the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom!
8 And they who pass by do not say, “The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!”