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. ² They 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. ³ Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem; no one is left to bury the dead. ⁴ We 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? ⁶ Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you— on kingdoms that do not call upon your name. ⁷ For they have devoured your people Israel, Hebrew devoured Jacob. See note on 44:4. making the land a desolate wilderness. ⁸ Do 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. ¹⁰ Why 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. ¹¹ Listen 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. ¹³ Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.