Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

1O God, pagan nations have conquered your land,

your special possession.

They have defiled your holy Temple

and made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

2They have left the bodies of your servants

as food for the birds of heaven.

The flesh of your godly ones

has become food for the wild animals.

3Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem;

no one is left to bury the dead.

4We are mocked by our neighbors,

an object of scorn and derision to those around us.

5O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you—

on kingdoms that do not call upon your name.

7For they have devoured your people Israel,*

making the land a desolate wilderness.

8Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors!

Let your compassion quickly meet our needs,

for we are on the brink of despair.

9Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

for the honor of your name.

10Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff,

asking, “Where is their God?”

Show us your vengeance against the nations,

for they have spilled the blood of your servants.

11Listen to the moaning of the prisoners.

Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.

12O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times

for the scorn they have hurled at you.

13Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will thank you forever and ever,

praising your greatness from generation to generation.