14. Again and again he bursts upon me; he rushes at me like a warrior.
15. “I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust.
16. My face is red with weeping, dark shadows ring my eyes;
17. yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure.
18. “Earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest!
19. Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.
20. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;
21. on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.