11. God has turned me over to the ungodlyand thrown me into the clutches of the wicked.
12. All was well with me, but he shattered me;he seized me by the neck and crushed me.He has made me his target;
13. his archers surround me.Without pity, he pierces my kidneysand spills my gall on the ground.
14. Again and again he bursts upon me;he rushes at me like a warrior.
15. ‘I have sewed sackcloth over my skinand buried my brow in the dust.
16. My face is red with weeping,dark shadows ring my eyes;
17. yet my hands have been free of violenceand my prayer is pure.
18. ‘Earth, do not cover my blood;may my cry never be laid to rest!
19. Even now my witness is in heaven;my advocate is on high.
20. My intercessor is my friendas my eyes pour out tears to God;
21. on behalf of a man he pleads with Godas one pleads for a friend.
22. ‘Only a few years will passbefore I take the path of no return.