1A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me-- let Israel now say--
2from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."