Psalm 79

A Psalm of Asaph.

O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;

They have defiled Your holy temple;

They have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

They have given the dead bodies of Your slaves for food to the birds of the heavens,

The flesh of Your holy ones to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem;

And there was no one to bury them.

We have become a reproach to our neighbors,

A mockery and derision to those around us.

How long, O Yahweh? Will You be angry forever?

Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

Pour out Your wrath upon the nations which do not know You,

And upon the kingdoms which do not call upon Your name.

For they have devoured Jacob

And laid waste his abode.

Do not remember our former iniquities against us;

Let Your compassion quickly approach us,

For we are brought very low.

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name;

And deliver us and atone for our sins for Your name’s sake.

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”

Let it be known among the nations before our eyes:

Vengeance for the blood of Your slaves which has been poured out.

Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You;

According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are doomed to die.

And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom

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

But as for us, as Your people and the sheep of Your pasture,

We will give thanks to You forever;

From generation to generation we will recount Your praise.