Chapter 44

  We have heard with our ears, God; Our fathers have told us, What work you did in their days, In the days of old.  

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  You drove out the nations with your hand, But you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, But you spread them abroad.  

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  For they didn't get the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them; But your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face, Because you were favorable to them.  

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  You are my King, God. Command victories for Jacob!  

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  Through you, will we push down our adversaries. Through your name, will we tread them under who rise up against us.  

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  For I will not trust in my bow, Neither shall my sword save me.  

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  But you have saved us from our adversaries, And have put them to shame who hate us.  

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  In God have we made our boast all day long, We will give thanks to your name forever. Selah.  

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  But now you rejected us, and brought us to dishonor, And don't go out with our armies.  

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  You make us turn back from the adversary. Those who hate us take spoil for themselves.  

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  You have made us like sheep for food, And have scattered us among the nations.  

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  You sell your people for nothing, And have gained nothing from their sale.  

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  You make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to those who are round about us.  

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  You make us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples.  

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  All day long is my dishonor before me, And shame covers my face,  

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  At the taunt of one who reproaches and reviles, Because of the enemy and the avenger.  

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  All this has come on us, Yet have we not forgotten you, Neither have we been false to your covenant.  

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  Our heart has not turned back, Neither have our steps declined from your way,  

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  That you have crushed us in the haunt of jackals, And covered us with the shadow of death.  

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  If we have forgotten the name of our God, Or spread forth our hands to a strange god;  

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  Won't God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart.  

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  Yes, for your sake are we killed all day long. We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.  

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  Wake up! Why do you sleep, Lord? Arise! Don't reject us forever.  

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  Why do you hide your face, And forget our affliction and our oppression?  

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  For our soul is bowed down to the dust. Our body cleaves to the earth.  

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  Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your lovingkindness' sake. Psalm 45 For the Chief Musician. Set to 'The Lilies.' A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song.  

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