Psalms 22

1 For the music director. To the tune “Doe of the Dawn.” A psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan, asking for help?⋮

2 My God, every day I cry out to you, but you don't answer; at night too, but I get no rest.⋮

3 Yet you are holy, and the praises of Israel are your throne.⋮

4 Our forefathers trusted in you; they trusted and you rescued them.⋮

5 They cried out to you for help, and they were saved. They trusted in you and were not defeated.⋮

6 But I'm a worm, not a man, scorned and despised by everyone.⋮

7 People who see me mock me. They laugh at me and shake their heads, saying,⋮

8 “He trusts in the Lord—well then, let the Lord save him! If the Lord is such a friend, then let the Lord rescue him!”⋮

9 However, you brought me safely through birth, and led me to trust in you at my mother's breasts.⋮

10 I was entrusted to you from birth; from the time I was born you have been my God.⋮

11 Do not be distant from me, because trouble is close by and no one else can help.⋮

12 Enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; strong bulls from Bashan have encircled me.⋮

13 Like roaring lions tearing at their prey they open their mouths wide against me.⋮

14 I feel like I'm being poured out like water. I'm falling apart as if all my bones have become loose. My mind feels like it's wax melting inside me.⋮

15 My strength has dried up like a piece of broken pottery. My tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth. You're burying me as if I'm already dead.⋮

16 Evil men surround me like a pack of dogs. They have pierced my hands and feet.⋮

17 I'm so thin I can count all my bones. People stare at me and gloat.⋮

18 They divide my clothing among them; they roll dice for my clothes.⋮

19 But you, Lord, don't be far away from me! You are my strength—hurry, come and help me!⋮

20 Save me from death by the sword! Save my life—the only one I have—from the dogs!⋮

21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lion and from the wild bulls!⋮

22 I will tell my people all the wonderful things you have done; I will praise you in the congregation.⋮

23 Praise the Lord, all who worship him! Honor him, every descendant of Jacob! Be in awe of him, every descendant of Israel!⋮

24 For he has not ridiculed or scorned the suffering of the poor; he has not turned away from them, he has listened to their cries for help.⋮

25 You are the subject of my praise in the great assembly. I will fulfill my promises before those who worship you.⋮

26 The poor shall eat, and they shall be satisfied. All who come to the Lord will praise him—may you all live forever!⋮

27 Everyone in the whole world will repent and return to the Lord; all the nations will worship before you.⋮

28 For kingly power belongs to the Lord; he is the one who rules over the nations.⋮

29 All who prosper come to feast and worship. Bow down before him, all those destined for the grave—for none can keep themselves alive.⋮

30 Our descendants will serve him; they will tell the next generation about the Lord.⋮

31 They will come and tell those yet to be born how good the Lord is, and all that he has done!⋮