He had been hired to scare me so that I would do this and thereby sin. They would thus bring reproach on me and I would be discredited.

For you will nurse from her satisfying breasts and be nourished; you will feed with joy from her milk-filled breasts.

Would you indeed annul my justice? Would you declare me guilty so that you might be right?

Yet he delivered them for the sake of his reputation, that he might reveal his power.

But you are willing to forgive, so that you might be honored.

He has done this so all the nations of the earth might recognize the Lord’s power and so you might always obey the Lord your God.”

I declared them to be defiled because of their sacrifices – they caused all their first born to pass through the fire – so that I would devastate them, so that they will know that I am the Lord.’

It is sharpened for slaughter, it is polished to flash like lightning! “‘Should we rejoice in the scepter of my son? No! The sword despises every tree!

Relent, Lord, rescue me! Deliver me because of your faithfulness!

He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.

For the sake of your reputation, O Lord, forgive my sin, because it is great.

Teach me how you want me to live; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me!

Rise up and help us! Rescue us because of your loyal love!

Deliver by your power and answer me, so that the ones you love may be safe.

Come near me and redeem me! Because of my enemies, rescue me!

Deliver by your power and answer me, so that the ones you love may be safe.

In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.

It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn your statutes.

May I be fully committed to your statutes, so that I might not be ashamed.

I stay away from the evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.