[[A song of degrees.]][1]They have often times afflicted me from my youth (may Israel now say)[2]They have often times afflicted me from my youth: but they could not prevail against me.[3]The plowers plowed upon my back, and made long furrows.[4]But the righteous Lord hath cut the cords of the wicked.[5]They that hate Zion, shall be all ashamed and turned backward.[6]They shall be as the grass on the housetops, which withereth afore it cometh forth.[7]Whereof the mower filleth not his hand, neither the gleaner his lap:[8]Neither they, which go by, say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you, or, We bless you in the name of the Lord.