For the enemy has pursued me, crushing me to the ground, making me live in darkness like those long dead.
“You just saw him! ” Joab exclaimed. “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you 10 silver pieces and a belt! ”
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face? ”
Listen to my cry, for I am very weak. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Let those who seek to kill me be disgraced and humiliated; let those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed.
For strangers rise up against me, and violent men seek my life. They have no regard for God. Selah
may an enemy pursue and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah
Rise up, Lord, in Your anger; lift Yourself up against the fury of my adversaries; awake for me; You have ordained a judgment.
He has made me dwell in darkness like those who have been dead for ages.
Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look how they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will stand up; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.