He delivers the afflicted by ¹  their ²  afflictions, he reveals himself to them ³  by their suffering.

But if they are bound in chains, ¹  and held captive by the cords of affliction,

For he is not predisposed to afflict ¹  or to grieve people. ² 

He does not allow the wicked to live, ¹  but he gives justice to the poor.

Turn toward me and have mercy on me, for I am alone ¹  and oppressed!

They acted like fools in their rebellious ways, ¹  and suffered because of their sins.

I had faith when I said, “I am severely oppressed.”

So listen to this, oppressed one, who is drunk, but not from wine!

ז (Zayin) Remember ¹  my impoverished and homeless condition, ²  which is a bitter poison. ³ 

For it is right ¹  for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

“You must not afflict ¹  any widow or orphan.

I will humiliate David’s descendants because of this, ¹  but not forever.” ² 

א (Alef) ¹  I am the man ²  who has experienced ³  affliction from the rod ⁴  of his wrath.

This is what the Lord says: ¹  “Even though ²  they are powerful ³  – and what is more, ⁴  even though their army is numerous ⁵  – nevertheless, ⁶  they will be destroyed ⁷  and trickle away! ⁸  Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. ⁹ 

O Lord, they crush your people; they oppress the nation that belongs to you. ¹ 

For he did not despise or detest the suffering ¹  of the oppressed; ²  he did not ignore him; ³  when he cried out to him, he responded. ⁴ 

My heart ¹  is in turmoil ²  unceasingly; ³  the days of my affliction confront me.

Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested ¹  by affliction.

Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! ¹  Vindicate the oppressed and suffering!

Ships will come from the coast of Kittim, ¹  and will afflict Asshur, ²  and will afflict Eber, and he will also perish forever.” ³