Psalm 79

Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;^a

they have defiled^b your holy temple,

they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.^c

They have left the dead bodies of your servants

as food for the birds of the sky,^d

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

They have poured out blood like water

all around Jerusalem,

and there is no one to bury^f the dead.^g

We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,

of scorn^h and derision to those around us.ⁱ

How long,^j Lord? Will you be angry^k forever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?^l

Pour out your wrath^m on the nations

that do not acknowledgeⁿ you,

on the kingdoms

that do not call on your name;^o

for they have devoured^p Jacob

and devastated his homeland.

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

may your mercy come quickly to meet us,

for we are in desperate need.^r

Help us,^s God our Savior,

for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins

for your name’s sake.^t

Why should the nations say,

“Where is their God?”^u

Before our eyes, make known among the nations

that you avenge^v the outpoured blood^w of your servants.

May the groans of the prisoners come before you;

with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.

Pay back into the laps^x of our neighbors seven times^y

the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,^z

will praise you forever;^a

from generation to generation

we will proclaim your praise.