“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
    and to the hills, “Cover us!”’^[a](A)

¹⁹ People will flee to caves^(A) in the rocks
    and to holes in the ground^(B)
from the fearful presence^(C) of the Lord
    and the splendor of his majesty,^(D)
    when he rises to shake the earth.^(E)

⁸ The high places^(A) of wickedness^[a](B) will be destroyed—
    it is the sin of Israel.
Thorns^(C) and thistles will grow up
    and cover their altars.^(D)
Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!”^(E)
    and to the hills, “Fall on us!”^(F)

¹⁵ so that I prefer strangling and death,^(A)
    rather than this body of mine.^(B)
16 I despise my life;^(C) I would not live forever.^(D)
    Let me alone;^(E) my days have no meaning.^(F)

²⁰ “Why is light given to those in misery,
    and life to the bitter of soul,^(A)
21 to those who long for death that does not come,^(B)
    who search for it more than for hidden treasure,^(C)
22 who are filled with gladness
    and rejoice when they reach the grave?^(D)