Psalm 79

Psalm 79 1A psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

2They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.

3They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.

4We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.

5How long, LORD ? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;

7for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland.

8Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.

9Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.

10Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood 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 of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord. 13Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.