Psalms 79

¹ A psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have invaded your heritage; they have defiled your holy temple, have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

² They have left the corpses of your servants as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of your faithful for the beasts of the earth.

³ They have spilled their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and no one is left to bury them.

⁴ We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us.

⁵ How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your rage keep burning like fire?

⁶ Pour out your wrath on nations that reject you, on kingdoms that do not call on your name,

⁷ For they have devoured Jacob, laid waste his home.

⁸ Do not hold past iniquities against us; may your compassion come quickly, for we have been brought very low.

⁹ Help us, God our savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, pardon our sins for your name's sake.

¹⁰ Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Before our eyes make clear to the nations that you avenge the blood of your servants.

¹¹ Let the groans of prisoners come before you; by your great power free those doomed to death.

¹² Lord, inflict on our neighbors seven fold the disgrace they inflicted on you.

¹³ Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all ages we will declare your praise.