79:1 A psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

79:2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.

79:3 They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.

79:4 We are objects of reproach to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.

79:5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

79:6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;

79:7 for they have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland.

79:8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.

79:9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

79:10 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.

79:11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die.

79:12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.

79:13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.