Asa passed away in the forty-first year of his reign.

He burned the bones of the pagan priests on their altars; he purified Judah and Jerusalem.

Preparations were made, and the priests stood at their posts and the Levites in their divisions as prescribed by the king.

then you plunge me into a slimy pit and my own clothes abhor me.

His flesh wastes away from sight, and his bones, which were not seen, are easily visible.

Then I will tell about all your praiseworthy acts; in the gates of Daughter Zion I will rejoice because of your deliverance.”

Then the king will be attracted by your beauty. After all, he is your master! Submit to him!

They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.

I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you.

Then they will place their confidence in God. They will not forget the works of God, and they will obey his commands.

Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture, will continually thank you. We will tell coming generations of your praiseworthy acts.

My heart is parched and withered like grass, for I am unable to eat food.

A person’s life is like grass. Like a flower in the field it flourishes,

He delivered them from the power of the one who hated them, and rescued them from the power of the enemy.

Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.

Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in a warrior’s hand.

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

Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly; it takes away the life of those who obtain it!

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion.

The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish, and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!