¹² let’s swallow^(A) them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;^(B)

¹⁸ to preserve them from the pit,^(A)
    their lives from perishing by the sword.^[a](B)

¹⁹ “Or someone may be chastened^(C) on a bed of pain^(D)
    with constant distress in their bones,^(E)
20 so that their body finds food^(F) repulsive
    and their soul loathes the choicest meal.^(G)
21 Their flesh wastes away to nothing,
    and their bones,^(H) once hidden, now stick out.^(I)
22 They draw near to the pit,^(J)
    and their life to the messengers of death.^[b](K)
23 Yet if there is an angel at their side,
    a messenger,^(L) one out of a thousand,
    sent to tell them how to be upright,^(M)
24 and he is gracious to that person and says to God,
    ‘Spare them from going down to the pit;^(N)
    I have found a ransom for them^(O)—

⁷ Answer me quickly,^(A) Lord;
    my spirit fails.^(B)
Do not hide your face^(C) from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.