1This chapter is an acrostic poem; the verses of each stanza begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the verses within each stanza begin with the same letter. I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the LORD ’s wrath.
2He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;
3indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.
4He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.