Wherefore Jehovah standest thou

Verse 1

Wherefore Jehovah standest thou away from us so far? And wherefore hidest thou thy self when times so troublous are?

Verse 2

Because the wicked in their pride the needy make a prey' They shall be taken in the plots which they for others lay.

Verse 3

The wicked in their heart's desire do glory; and they praise The worldly man as blest; but they Jehovah's anger raise.

Verse 4

The wicked through their lofty pride on God refuse to call; And in their multitude of thoughts there is no GOD at all.

Verse 5

Their ways at all times grievous are: thy judgments are on high Above their sight: at all their foes they blow disdainfully.

Verse 6

Within their heart they vainly say, "we moved shall never be, Nor yet in any time to come adversity shall see."

Verse 7

His mouth with cursing filled is, with wiles, deceit and wrong; And mischief and iniquity lie hid beneath his tongue.

Verse 8

In coverts near the villages they sit; the harmless slay' And for the poor who pass along with hidden eyes they lay.

Verse 9

As lions in their coverts watch, the feeble to surprise; As fowlers draw them in their net, and on a sudden seize.

Verse 10

As maimed and crouching they will seem; that numbers of the poor At unawares may fall into their paws of cruel power.

Verse 11

In heart they say, "God has forgot these things eternally; He wholly hides his face away, and them will never see."

Verse 12

Jehovah rise thou up; O God, lift up thine hand on high; Cast not the meek afflicted ones Out of thy memory.

Verse 13

O why do wicked men provoke the mighty God, and say Presumptuously within their heart, 'Thou never wilt repay.'

Verse 14

But spite and mischief thou dost see; thy hand will them reward: The poor commits himself to Thee; Thou art the orphan's guard.

Verse 15

The wicked's arm wilt wholly break and of the evil one; And search out his impieties until thou findest none;

Verse 16

Jehovah King of ages is and of eternity: Out of his land the heathen tribes are perished utterly.

Verse 17

The meek afflicted ones desire Jehovah thou dost hear; Thou dost prepare their heart, and then give thine attentive ear.

Verse 18

To judge and help the fatherless, the feeble and the poor; That earthly men may not destroy* nor vex them any more.