1A Song of Ascents. MANY A time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up--let Israel now say--
2Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.
4The Lord is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He has cut asunder the thick cords by which the wicked [enslaved us].
5Let them all be put to shame and turned backward who hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
7With which the mower fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his bosom--
8While those who go by do not say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!