But he found the young woman so attractive that he fell in love with her and tried to win her affection.

Go ahead and be lazy; sleep on, but you will go hungry.

"Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them!

So I am going to take her into the desert again; there I will win her back with words of love.

A king's greatness depends on how many people he rules; without them he is nothing.

My God, rescue me from wicked people, from the power of cruel and evil people.

I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you.

Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble.

They say, "God has abandoned him; let's go after him and catch him; there is no one to rescue him."

Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come.

You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength; you will keep me from the grave.

Israel, tell us how your enemies have persecuted you ever since you were young.

"Ever since I was young, my enemies have persecuted me cruelly, but they have not overcome me.