Psalm 79

Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

¹O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;^p

they have defiled^q your holy temple,

they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.^r

²They have left the dead bodies of your servants

as food for the birds of the sky,^s

the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.^t

³They have poured out blood like water

all around Jerusalem,

and there is no one to bury^u the dead.^v

⁴We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,

of scorn^w and derision to those around us.^x

⁵How long,^y Lord? Will you be angry^z forever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?^a

⁶Pour out your wrath^b on the nations

that do not acknowledge^c you,

on the kingdoms

that do not call on your name;^d

⁷for they have devoured^e Jacob

and devastated his homeland.

⁸Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;^f

may your mercy come quickly to meet us,

for we are in desperate need.^g

⁹Help us,^h God our Savior,

for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins

for your name’s sake.ⁱ

¹⁰Why should the nations say,

“Where is their God?”^j

Before our eyes, make known among the nations

that you avenge^k the outpoured blood^l of your servants.

¹¹May the groans of the prisoners come before you;

with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.

¹²Pay back into the laps^m of our neighbors seven timesⁿ

the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

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

will praise you forever;^p

from generation to generation

we will proclaim your praise.