Psalm 79

A psalm by Asaph. 

1  O God, the nations have invaded the land that belongs to you. 

They have dishonored your holy temple. 

They have left Jerusalem in ruins. 

2  They have given the dead bodies of your servants 

to the birds for food. 

They have given the flesh of your godly ones 

to the animals. 

3  They have shed the blood of your people around Jerusalem 

as though it were water. 

There is no one to bury your people. 

4  We have become a disgrace to our neighbors, 

an object of ridicule and contempt to those around us. 

5  How long, O Lord? 

Will you remain angry forever? 

Will your fury continue to burn like fire? 

6  Pour your fury on the nations that do not know you, 

on the kingdoms that have not called you. 

7  They have devoured Jacob. 

They have destroyed his home. 

8  Do not hold the crimes of our ancestors against us. 

Reach out to us soon with your compassion, 

because we are helpless. 

9  Help us, O God, our savior, for the glory of your name. 

Rescue us, and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. 

10  Why should the nations ⸤be allowed to⸥ say, 

“Where is their God?” 

Let us watch as the nations learn 

that there is punishment for shedding the blood of your servants. 

11  Let the groans of prisoners come into your presence. 

With your powerful arm rescue those who are condemned to death. 

12  Pay each one of our neighbors back 

with seven times the number of insults they used to insult you, O Lord. 

13  Then we, your people, the flock in your pasture, 

will give thanks to you forever. 

We will praise you throughout every generation.