Psalms 79

A psalm of Asaph.

1O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have reduced Jerusalem to ruins.

2They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of the sky, the flesh of your faithful ones to the wild animals of the earth.

3They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them.

4We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us.

5How long, Yahweh? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.

7For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his dwelling place.

8Do not hold against us the iniquities of former times; let your compassion quickly come to meet us, for we have been brought very low.

9Help us, God of our salvation, for the sake of your name’s glory; deliver us and atone for our sins for your name’s sake.

10Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let vengeance for your servants’ shed blood be made known among the nations before our eyes.

11Let the groaning of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of your arm, preserve those doomed to die.

12And return to our neighbors, sevenfold into their laps, the insults they directed at you, O Lord.

13But we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.