Psalm 79

A Dirge and a Prayer for Israel, Destroyed by Enemies

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 O God, the 1nations have come into aYour inheritance;

Your holy temple they have defiled;

bThey have laid Jerusalem 2in heaps.

2 cThe dead bodies of Your servants—

They have given as food for the birds of the heavens,

The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.

3 Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem,

And there was no one to bury them.

4 We have become a reproach to our dneighbors,

A scorn and derision to those who are around us.

5 eHow long, Lord?

Will You be angry forever?

Will Your fjealousy burn like fire?

6 gPour out Your wrath on the 3nations that hdo not know You,

And on the kingdoms that ido not call on Your name.

7 For they have devoured Jacob,

And laid waste his dwelling place.

8 jOh, do not remember 4former iniquities against us!

Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us,

For we have been brought very low.

9 Help us, O God of our salvation,

For the glory of Your name;

And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins,

kFor Your name’s sake!

10 lWhy should the 5nations say,

“Where is their God?”

Let there be known among the nations in our sight

The avenging of the blood of Your servants which has been shed.

11 Let mthe groaning of the prisoner come before You;

According to the greatness of Your 6power

Preserve those who are appointed to die;

12 And return to our neighbors nsevenfold into their bosom

oTheir reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.

13 So pwe, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,

Will give You thanks forever;

qWe will show forth Your praise to all generations.