Chapter 44

  We have heard with our ears, God; Our fathers have told us, What work you did in their days, In the days of old.  

  You drove out the nations with your hand, But you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, But you spread them abroad.  

  For they didn't get the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them; But your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face, Because you were favorable to them.  

  You are my King, God. Command victories for Jacob!  

  Through you, will we push down our adversaries. Through your name, will we tread them under who rise up against us.  

  For I will not trust in my bow, Neither shall my sword save me.  

  But you have saved us from our adversaries, And have put them to shame who hate us.  

  In God have we made our boast all day long, We will give thanks to your name forever. Selah.  

  But now you rejected us, and brought us to dishonor, And don't go out with our armies.  

  You make us turn back from the adversary. Those who hate us take spoil for themselves.  

  You have made us like sheep for food, And have scattered us among the nations.  

  You sell your people for nothing, And have gained nothing from their sale.  

  You make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to those who are round about us.  

  You make us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples.  

  All day long is my dishonor before me, And shame covers my face,  

  At the taunt of one who reproaches and reviles, Because of the enemy and the avenger.  

  All this has come on us, Yet have we not forgotten you, Neither have we been false to your covenant.  

  Our heart has not turned back, Neither have our steps declined from your way,  

  That you have crushed us in the haunt of jackals, And covered us with the shadow of death.  

  If we have forgotten the name of our God, Or spread forth our hands to a strange god;  

  Won't God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart.  

  Yes, for your sake are we killed all day long. We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.  

  Wake up! Why do you sleep, Lord? Arise! Don't reject us forever.  

  Why do you hide your face, And forget our affliction and our oppression?  

  For our soul is bowed down to the dust. Our body cleaves to the earth.  

  Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your lovingkindness' sake. Psalm 45 For the Chief Musician. Set to 'The Lilies.' A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song.