Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

1God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have reduced Jerusalem to ruins.

2They have given the bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the sky, the flesh of your faithful ones to the wild animals of the earth.

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

4We have become an object of scorn to our neighbors, mocked and ridiculed by those around us.

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

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

7for they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his homeland.

8Do not hold against us the sins of former generations; let your compassion come quickly to meet us, for we are brought very low.

9Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; rescue us and make atonement for our sins for the sake of your name.

10Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, let the nations know that you avenge the shed blood of your servants.

11Let the groaning of the prisoners come before you; by the greatness of your arm, preserve those condemned to die.

12Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the insults with which they have insulted you, Lord.

13Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will tell of your praise.