Like wild donkeys in the desert they go out to their labor, seeking diligently for food; the wasteland provides food for them and for their children.

because I was terrified of the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I remained silent and would not go outdoors –

then let thorns sprout up in place of wheat, and in place of barley, weeds!” The words of Job are ended.

Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course.

I continually look to the Lord for help, for he will free my feet from the enemy’s net.

You will free me from the net they hid for me, for you are my place of refuge.

Have you not rejected us, O God? O God, you do not go into battle with our armies.

God settles those who have been deserted in their own homes; he frees prisoners and grants them prosperity. But sinful rebels live in the desert.

He decreed it as a regulation in Joseph, when he attacked the land of Egypt. I heard a voice I did not recognize.

You cause those who know me to keep their distance; you make me an appalling sight to them. I am trapped and cannot get free.

He provides grass for the cattle, and crops for people to cultivate, so they can produce food from the ground,

He causes the clouds to arise from the end of the earth, makes lightning bolts accompany the rain, and brings the wind out of his storehouses.

Our cattle will be weighted down with produce. No one will break through our walls, no one will be taken captive, and there will be no terrified cries in our city squares.

Do not go out hastily to litigation, or what will you do afterward when your neighbor puts you to shame?

For he came out of prison to become king, even though he had been born poor in what would become his kingdom.

I have seen another misfortune on the earth: It is an error a ruler makes.

This also comes from the Lord who commands armies, who gives supernatural guidance and imparts great wisdom.

“For a remnant will leave Jerusalem; survivors will come out of Mount Zion. The intense devotion of the Lord who commands armies will accomplish this.

‘Some of your very own descendants whom you father will be taken away and will be made eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”