In light of the fact that we are loyal to the king, ¹  and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage, ²  we are sending the king this information ³ 

Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat in light of these actions of theirs – also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who were trying to scare me!

The king asked, ¹  “By law, ²  what should be done to Queen Vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs?”

Let darkness and the deepest shadow ¹  claim it; ²  let a cloud settle on it; let whatever blackens the day ³  terrify it!

If I lie down, I say, ¹  ‘When will I arise?’, and the night stretches on ²  and I toss and turn restlessly ³  until the day dawns.

He has blocked ¹  my way so I cannot pass, and has set darkness ²  over my paths.

“How often ¹  is the lamp of the wicked extinguished? How often does their ²  misfortune come upon them? How often does God apportion pain ³  to them ⁴  in his anger?

Far from where people live ¹  he sinks a shaft, in places travelers have long forgotten, ²  far from other people he dangles and sways. ³ 

Smoke ascended from ¹  his nose; ²  fire devoured as it came from his mouth; ³  he hurled down fiery coals. ⁴ 

For you grant him lasting blessings; you give him great joy by allowing him into your presence. ¹ 

Teach me how you want me to live; ¹  lead me along a level path ²  because of those who wait to ambush me! ³ 

May he reign ¹  forever before God! Decree that your loyal love and faithfulness should protect him. ² 

For the music director; to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm, a song. May God show us his favor ²  and bless us! ³  May he smile on us! ⁴  (Selah)

When ¹  the Lord heard this, he was furious. A fire broke out against Jacob, and his anger flared up ²  against Israel,

For the Lord God is our sovereign protector. ¹  The Lord bestows favor ²  and honor; he withholds no good thing from those who have integrity. ³ 

The first to state his case ¹  seems ²  right, until his opponent ³  begins to ⁴  cross-examine him. ⁵ 

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, ¹  or like vinegar poured on soda, ²  so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. ³ 

though it never saw the light of day ¹  nor knew anything, ²  yet it has more rest ³  than that man –

This alone have I discovered: God made humankind upright, but they have sought many evil schemes.

The Beloved to Her Lover: Until the dawn arrives ¹  and the shadows flee, turn, ²  my beloved – be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountain gorges. ³