74:1 A maskil of Asaph. Why have you rejected us forever, O God? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?

74:2 Remember the people you purchased of old, the tribe of your inheritance, whom you redeemed--Mount Zion, where you dwelt.

74:3 Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.

74:4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs.

74:5 They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees.

74:6 They smashed all the carved paneling with their axes and hatchets.

74:7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.

74:8 They said in their hearts, "We will crush them completely!" They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.

74:9 We are given no miraculous signs; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.

74:10 How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever?

74:11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

74:12 But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth.

74:13 It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.

74:14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert.

74:15 It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever flowing rivers.

74:16 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.

74:17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

74:18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name.

74:19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.

74:20 Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

74:21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name.

74:22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.

74:23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.