King Tiglath-pileser ¹  of Assyria came, but he gave him more trouble than support. ² 

During his time of trouble King Ahaz was even more unfaithful to the Lord.

so that I ¹  would prefer ²  strangling, ³  and ⁴  death ⁵  more ⁶  than life. ⁷ 

“They are dismayed ²  and cannot answer any more; they have nothing left to say. ³ 

I have spoken once, but I cannot answer; twice, but I will say no more.” ¹ 

The countries are assembled all around you; ¹  take once more your rightful place over them! ² 

That will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hooves.

Man ate the food of the mighty ones. ¹  He sent them more than enough to eat. ² 

Will you not revive us once more? Then your people will rejoice in you!

The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.

The Lord ¹  made his people very fruitful, and made them ²  more numerous than their ³  enemies.

Rest once more, my soul, ¹  for the Lord has vindicated you. ² 

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.

I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.

For this reason ¹  I love your commands more than gold, even purest gold.

For her ¹  benefit ²  is more profitable ³  than silver, and her ⁴  gain ⁵  is better ⁶  than gold.

If the righteous are recompensed on earth, ¹  how much more ²  the wicked sinner! ³ 

Death and Destruction ¹  are before the Lord – how much more ²  the hearts of humans! ³ 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable ¹  to the Lord than sacrifice. ² 

let them ¹  drink and forget ²  their poverty, and remember their misery no more.