Psalm 79: 1-13

June 28, 2024 12:01 AM

A psalm of Asaph.

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;     they have defiled your holy temple,     they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. They 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. They have poured out blood like water     all around Jerusalem,     and there is no one to bury the dead. We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,     of scorn and derision to those around us.


How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever?     How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations     that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms     that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob     and devastated his homeland.


Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;     may your mercy come quickly to meet us,     for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior,     for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins     for your name’s sake. 10 Why 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. 11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you;     with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die. 12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times     the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord. 13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,     will praise you forever; from generation to generation     we will proclaim your praise.