17. And I broke the jaws of the wicked man;from his teeth I forced the prey.
18. I said: “In my own nest I shall grow old;I shall multiply years like the phoenix.
19. My root is spread out to the waters;the dew rests by night on my branches.
20. My glory is fresh within me,and my bow is renewed in my hand!”
21. For me they listened and waited;they were silent for my counsel.
22. Once I spoke, they said no more,but received my pronouncement drop by drop.
23. They waited for me as for the rain;they drank in my words like the spring rains.
24. When I smiled on them they could not believe it;they would not let the light of my face be dimmed.
25. I decided their course and sat at their head,I lived like a king among the troops,like one who comforts mourners.