Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

1O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;

they have defiled your holy temple,

they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

2They have given the dead bodies of your servants

as food to the birds of the air,

the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.

3They have poured out blood like water

all around Jerusalem,

and there is no one to bury the dead.

4We are objects of reproach to our neighbors,

of scorn and derision to those around us.

5How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the nations

that do not acknowledge you,

on the kingdoms

that do not call on your name;

7for they have devoured Jacob

and destroyed his homeland.

8Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers;

may your mercy come quickly to meet us,

for we are in desperate need.

9Help us, O God our Savior,

for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins

for your name’s sake.

10Why should the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

Before our eyes, make known among the nations

that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.

11May the groans of the prisoners come before you;

by the strength of your arm

preserve those condemned to die.

12Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times

the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.

13Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will praise you forever;

from generation to generation

we will recount your praise.