1 Since the time I was young,

enemies have often attacked!

Let everyone in Israel say:

2 "Since the time I was young,

enemies have often attacked!

But they have not defeated me,

3 though my back is like a field

that has just been plowed."

4 The Lord always does right,

and he has set me free

from the ropes

of those cruel people.

5 I pray that all who hate

the city of Zion

will be made ashamed

and forced to turn and run.

6 May they be like grass

on the flat roof of a house,

grass that dries up

as soon as it sprouts.

7 Don't let them be like wheat

gathered in bundles.

8 And don't let anyone

who passes by say to them,

"The Lord bless you!

I give you my blessing

in the name of the Lord."