1. I am the man who has seen afflictionunder the rod of God’s wrath.
2. He has driven me away and forced me to walkin darkness instead of light.
3. Yes, He repeatedly turns His handagainst me all day long.
4. He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones.
5. He has laid siege against me, encircling me with bitterness and hardship.
6. He has made me dwell in darknesslike those who have been dead for ages.
7. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains.
8. Even when I cry out and plead for help,He rejects my prayer.
9. He has walled in my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked.
10. He is a bear waiting in ambush,a lion in hiding.
11. He forced me off my way and tore me to pieces;He left me desolate.
12. He strung His bow and set me as the target for His arrow.
13. He pierced my kidneyswith His arrows.