⁸ “You heavens above, rain^(A) down my righteousness;^(B)
    let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
    let salvation^(C) spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
    I, the Lord, have created it.

¹² Sow^(A) righteousness^(B) for yourselves,
    reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;^(C)
    for it is time to seek^(D) the Lord,
until he comes
    and showers his righteousness^(E) on you.

¹¹ For as the soil makes the sprout come up
    and a garden^(A) causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness^(B)
    and praise spring up before all nations.

⁶ May he be like rain^(A) falling on a mown field,
    like showers watering the earth.