Lamentations 3:52–66

⁵²My enemies, whom I have never harmed,

hunted me down like a bird.

⁵³They threw me into a pit

and dropped stones on me.

⁵⁴The water rose over my head,

and I cried out, “This is the end!”

⁵⁵But I called on your name, Lord,

from deep within the pit.

⁵⁶You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading!

Hear my cry for help!”

⁵⁷Yes, you came when I called;

you told me, “Do not fear.”

⁵⁸Lord, you have come to my defense;

you have redeemed my life.

⁵⁹You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord.

Be my judge, and prove me right.

⁶⁰You have seen the vengeful plots

my enemies have laid against me.

⁶¹Lord, you have heard the vile names they call me.

You know all about the plans they have made.

⁶²My enemies whisper and mutter

as they plot against me all day long.

⁶³Look at them! Whether they sit or stand,

I am the object of their mocking songs.

⁶⁴Pay them back, Lord,

for all the evil they have done.

⁶⁵Give them hard and stubborn hearts,

and then let your curse fall on them!

⁶⁶Chase them down in your anger,

destroying them beneath the Lord’s heavens.