To the director.[455] To the tune "Lilies of the Agreement." One of Asaph's songs of praise.
<1> Shepherd of Israel,[456] listen to us.
You lead your people, Joseph's descendants, like sheep.
You sit on your throne above the Cherub angels.[457]
Let us see you.
<2> Shepherd of Israel, show your greatness
to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh.
Come and save your people.
<3> God, accept us again.
Smile down on us and save us!
<4> Lord God All-Powerful,
when will you listen to our prayers?
How long will you be angry with us?
<5> Instead of bread and water,
you gave your people tears.
<6> You made us the target of everyone's hatred.
Our enemies make fun of us.
<7> God All-Powerful, accept us again.
Smile down on us and save us!
<8> When you brought us out of Egypt,
we were like your special vine.
You forced other people to leave this land,
and you planted that vine here.
<9> You prepared the ground for it,
and it sent its roots down deep and spread throughout the land.
<10> It covered the mountains,
and its leaves shaded even the giant cedar trees.
<11> Its branches spread to the Mediterranean Sea,
its shoots to the Euphrates River.
<12> God, why did you pull down the walls that protect your vine?
Now everyone who passes by picks its grapes.
<13> Wild pigs come and walk on it.
Wild animals come and eat the leaves.
<14> God All-Powerful, come back.
Look down from heaven at your vine and protect it.
<15> Look at the vine you planted with your own hands.
Look at the young plant[458] you raised.
<16> Our enemies have cut it down and burned it up.
Show them how angry you are and destroy them.
<17> Reach out and help your chosen one.[459]
Reach out to the people[460] you raised up.
<18> Then we will never leave you.
Let us live, and we will worship you.
<19> Lord God All-Powerful, accept us again.
Smile down on us and save us!
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.