Psalm 79

1A psalm of Asaph.

God, nations have entered your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple;
they have made Jerusalem a ruin. 2They have given the bodies of your servants
as food to the birds of the heavens,
the flesh of your faithful ones
to the wild animals of the earth. 3They have poured out their blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
with no one to bury them. 4We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
mockery and scorn
to those around us.

5How long, LORD? 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 dwelling place.

8Do not remember against us the iniquities of former generations.
May your mercies quickly meet us,
for we have been brought very low. 9Help us, God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and atone for our sins,
for the sake of your name. 10Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Let the vengeance for the blood of your servants that was poured out
be known among the nations—
among the nations before our eyes.

11May the groaning of the prisoner come before you;
according to the greatness of your arm,
preserve those doomed to die. 12Return sevenfold into the laps of our neighbors
the reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord. 13Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation
we will tell of your praise.