¹⁷ Do you know where the gates of death are located?
    Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?

¹³ Lord, have mercy on me.
    See how my enemies torment me.
    Snatch me back from the jaws of death.

¹⁸ They couldn’t stand the thought of food,
    and they were knocking on death’s door.

⁵ Let the darkness and utter gloom claim that day for its own.
    Let a black cloud overshadow it,
    and let the darkness terrify it.

¹⁴ He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom;
    he snapped their chains.

¹⁰ Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom,
    imprisoned in iron chains of misery.

⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

²² “He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness;
    he brings light to the deepest gloom.

¹⁶ the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
    a light has shined.”^[a]