O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol; you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

He caused streams to flow from the rock, and made the water flow like rivers.

It is like fine oil poured on the head which flows down the beard – Aaron’s beard, and then flows down his garments.

He becomes the victim of his own destructive plans and the violence he intended for others falls on his own head.

He made the sky sink as he descended; a thick cloud was under his feet.

He will descend like rain on the mown grass, like showers that drench the earth.

Some traveled on the sea in ships, and carried cargo over the vast waters.

They reached up to the sky, then dropped into the depths. The sailors’ strength left them because the danger was so great.

The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any of those who descend into the silence of death.

Tears stream down from my eyes, because people do not keep your law.

O Lord, make the sky sink and come down! Touch the mountains and make them smolder!

“What profit is there in taking my life, in my descending into the Pit? Can the dust of the grave praise you? Can it declare your loyalty?

For he will take nothing with him when he dies; his wealth will not follow him down into the grave.

May death destroy them! May they go down alive into Sheol! For evil is in their dwelling place and in their midst.

Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

Do not strike them dead suddenly, because then my people might forget the lesson. Use your power to make them homeless vagabonds and then bring them down, O Lord who shields us!

They treat me like those who descend into the grave. I am like a helpless man,

as the mountains rose up, and the valleys went down – to the place you appointed for them.

All of the thriving people of the earth will join the celebration and worship; all those who are descending into the grave will bow before him, including those who cannot preserve their lives.

By David. To you, O Lord, I cry out! My protector, do not ignore me! If you do not respond to me, I will join those who are descending into the grave.