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XVII]
JOB
- I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder:
- He hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces,
- And set me up for his mark.
- His archers compass me round about.
- He cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare;
- He poureth out my gall upon the ground.
- He breaketh me with breach upon breach,
- He runneth upon me like a giant.
- I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin,
- And defiled my horn in the dust.
- My face is foul with weeping.
- And on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
- Not for any injustice in mine hands:
- Also my prayer is pure.
- O earth, cover not thou my blood,
- And let my cry have no place.
- Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
- And my record is on high.
- My friends scorn me:
- But mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
- O that one might plead for a man with God,
- As a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
- When a few years are come,
- Then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
- My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct,
- The graves are ready for me.
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