Psalm 79

79:1

A Psalm of Asaph. The nations, O God, have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

79:2

They have given the corpses of Your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.

79:3

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

79:4

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

79:5

How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

79:6

Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that refuse to call on Your name,

79:7

for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland.

79:8

Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.

79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name.

79:10

Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.

79:11

May the groans of the captives reach You; by the strength of Your arm preserve those condemned to death.

79:12

Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.

79:13

Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank You forever; from generation to generation we will declare Your praise.