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