Add parallel Print Page Options

10 [a]I eat ashes as though they were bread,
    and I mingle tears with my drink.
11 Because of your indignation and wrath,
    you have raised me up only to cast me down.
12 My days are like a lengthening shadow,
    and I am withering away like grass.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 102:10 The Israelites indicated their penance externally by covering their heads with ashes and uttering lamentation accompanied by copious tears. To obtain God’s pity, the sick psalmist does not hold back. He covers himself with such an abundance of ashes that they are interspersed with his food, and he gives way to so many tears that they mingle with his drink. All the same, he is inexorably on his way toward death.

10 because of your great wrath,(A)
    for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
11 My days are like the evening shadow;(B)
    I wither(C) away like grass.

12 But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;(D)
    your renown endures(E) through all generations.(F)

Read full chapter