Psalms 79

¹ [Psalm Of Asaph] God, the pagans have invaded your heritage, they have defiled your holy temple,they have laid Jerusalem in ruins,

² they have left the corpses of your servants as food for the birds of the air, the bodies of your faithful forthe wild beasts.

³ Around Jerusalem they have shed blood like water, leaving no one to bury them.

⁴ We are the scorn of our neighbours, the butt and laughing-stock of those around us.

⁵ How long will you be angry, Yahweh? For ever? Is your jealousy to go on smouldering like a fire?

⁶ Pour out your anger on the nations who do not acknowledge you, and on the kingdoms that do not callon your name;

⁷ for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his home.

⁸ Do not count against us the guilt of former generations, in your tenderness come quickly to meet us,for we are utterly weakened;

⁹ help us, God our Saviour, for the glory of your name; Yahweh, wipe away our sins, rescue us for thesake of your name.

¹⁰ Why should the nations ask, 'Where is their God?' Let us see the nations suffer vengeance forshedding your servants' blood.

¹¹ May the groans of the captive reach you, by your great strength save those who are condemned todeath!

¹² Repay our neighbours sevenfold for the insults they have level ed at you, Lord.

¹³ And we, your people, the flock that you pasture, will thank you for ever, wil recite your praises fromage to age.