But if they are bound in chains, and held captive by the cords of affliction,

He delivers the afflicted by their afflictions, he reveals himself to them by their suffering.

See my pain and suffering! Forgive all my sins!

They sat in utter darkness, bound in painful iron chains,

Yet he protected the needy from oppression, and cared for his families like a flock of sheep.

This is what comforts me in my trouble, for your promise revives me.

If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow.

א (Alef) I am the man who has experienced affliction from the rod of his wrath.

ז (Zayin) Remember my impoverished and homeless condition, which is a bitter poison.

“And now my soul pours itself out within me; days of suffering take hold of me.

My heart is in turmoil unceasingly; the days of my affliction confront me.

Why do you look the other way, and ignore the way we are oppressed and mistreated?

ר (Resh) See my pain and rescue me! For I do not forget your law.

Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have purified you in the furnace of misery.

He named the second child Ephraim, saying, “Certainly God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

“You saw the affliction of our ancestors in Egypt, and you heard their cry at the Red Sea.

If I am guilty, woe to me, and if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head; I am full of shame, and satiated with my affliction.

Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction.

when they prayed: “Have mercy on me, Lord! See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, O one who can snatch me away from the gates of death!

I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am.