9. For this reason deliverance is far from usand salvation does not reach us.We wait for light, but see only darkness;we wait for a bright light, but live in deep darkness.
10. We grope along the wall like the blind,we grope like those who cannot see;we stumble at noontime as if it were evening.Though others are strong, we are like dead men.
11. We all growl like bears,we coo mournfully like doves;we wait for deliverance, but there is none,for salvation, but it is far from us.
12. For you are aware of our many rebellious deeds,and our sins testify against us;indeed, we are aware of our rebellious deeds;we know our sins all too well.
13. We have rebelled and tried to deceive the Lord;we turned back from following our God.We stir up oppression and rebellion;we tell lies we concocted in our minds.
14. Justice is driven back;godliness stands far off.Indeed, honesty stumbles in the city squareand morality is not even able to enter.
15. Honesty has disappeared;the one who tries to avoid evil is robbed.The Lord watches and is displeased,for there is no justice.
16. He sees there is no advocate;he is shocked that no one intervenes.So he takes matters into his own hands;his desire for justice drives him on.