“This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says: ‘Why are you so confident that you remain in Jerusalem while it is under siege?

“And now what are we able to say after this, our God? For we have forsaken your commandments

The king responded, “What is it you are seeking?” Then I quickly prayed to the God of heaven

What is my strength, that I should wait? and what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

If he snatches away, who can turn him back? Who dares to say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me; tell me why you are contending with me.’

“But if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I refrain from speaking – how much of it goes away?

If you say, ‘How we will pursue him, since the root of the trouble is found in him!’

Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What would we gain if we were to pray to him?’

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth on nothing.

For what hope does the godless have when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

then what will I do when God confronts me in judgment; when he intervenes, how will I respond to him?

On what were its bases set, or who laid its cornerstone –

You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive? (Selah)

Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,

Why does the wicked man reject God? He says to himself, “You will not hold me accountable.”

For the music director; a psalm of David. O Lord, the king rejoices in the strength you give; he takes great delight in the deliverance you provide.

“What profit is there in taking my life, in my descending into the Pit? Can the dust of the grave praise you? Can it declare your loyalty?

How precious is your loyal love, O God! The human race finds shelter under your wings.

God says this to the evildoer: “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant?