When the king heard the words of the law scroll, he tore his clothes.

When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin learned that the former exiles were building a temple for the Lord God of Israel,

I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints.

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

“But they – our ancestors – behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments.

and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam, and Ezer. The choirs sang loudly under the direction of Jezrahiah.

It stands still, but I cannot recognize its appearance; an image is before my eyes, and I hear a murmuring voice:

Look, we have investigated this, so it is true. Hear it, and apply it for your own good.”

“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil.

After that a voice roars; he thunders with an exalted voice, and he does not hold back his lightning bolts when his voice is heard.

Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him.

Lord, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.

Turn back from me, all you who behave wickedly, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping!

A prayer of David. Lord, consider my just cause! Pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to the prayer I sincerely offer!

I call to you for you will answer me, O God. Listen to me! Hear what I say!

When they hear of my exploits, they submit to me. Foreigners are powerless before me;

Hear my plea for mercy when I cry out to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy temple!

This oppressed man cried out and the Lord heard; he saved him from all his troubles.

But I am like a deaf man – I hear nothing; I am like a mute who cannot speak.

I am like a man who cannot hear and is incapable of arguing his defense.