2. Such strength as they had meant nothing to me;their vigor had perished.
3. In want and emaciating hungerthey fled to the parched lands:to the desolate wasteland by night.
4. They plucked saltwort and shrubs;the roots of the broom plant were their food.
5. They were banished from the community,with an outcry like that against a thief—
6. To dwell on the slopes of the wadies,in caves of sand and stone;
7. Among the bushes they brayed;under the nettles they huddled together.
8. Irresponsible, of no account,they were driven out of the land.
9. Yet now they sing of me in mockery;I have become a byword among them.
10. They abhor me, they stand aloof,they do not hesitate to spit in my face!
11. Because he has loosened my bowstring and afflicted me,they have thrown off restraint in my presence.