19 You know how they taunt and dishonor me;
to you my enemies are very well known.
20 Because they scoff at me, my heart is broken,
and I am left defenseless and alone.
I looked for sympathy, but found no one;
for comforters, but no one heeded my calls.
21 They gave me vinegar when I had thirst,
and with my food they mingled bitterest gall.
22 LORD, may their feasting be a snare for them;
let their gatherings become their punishment.
23 May darkness strike their eyes and make them sightless,
and may their backs eternally be bent.
24 Pour out your indignation on their head;
let your fierce wrath pursue and overtake them;
25 Let their abode be fore’er deserted,
let all their tents be utterly forsaken.
26 They persecute those whom you have struck down,
and revel in the sorrow of those who grieve,
27 Charge them with every crime they have committed,
and vindication may they not receive.
28 Do not record them among the righteous;
let their names be removed from the book of life.
29 As for me, O God, may your salvation
deliver me from my misery and strife.
30 I will praise your name, O God, with singing;
I’ll honor you and my thanks to you accord.
31 Better than any sacrifice of oxen,
my song of praise is pleasing to the LORD.
32 The poor see this and are filled with gladness;
let the hearts of those that seek the LORD revive.
33 Our God does not despise the captives;
he hears their cries and keeps the needy alive.
34 Let praise ascend to God from earth and heav’n,
from the seas and all creatures that moves in them s;
35 For he will re-establish Judah’s cities,
and bring salvation to Jerusalem.
His servants will settle and possess it;
36 their children will then enjoy their heritage.
Those who love his name and are his servants
will dwell in the promised land from age to age.
– Sing Psalms, alt.
Oremus 