Psalm 79

Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

1 O 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.5 O 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,t
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.9 Help 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.12 O 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.

PSALMS 79

Have Pity on Jerusalem

1  t Our God, foreign nations
have taken your land,
disgraced your temple,
and left Jerusalem in ruins.

2 They have fed the bodies
of your servants
to flesh-eating birds;
your loyal people are food
for savage animals.

3 All Jerusalem is covered
with their blood,
and there is no one left
to bury them.

4 Every nation around us
sneers and makes fun.

5 Our [Lord], will you keep on
being angry?
Will your angry feelings
keep flaming up like fire?

6 Get angry with those nations
that don't know you
and won't worship you!

7 They have gobbled up
Jacob's descendants
and left the land in ruins.

8  t Don't make us pay for the sins
of our ancestors.
Have pity and come quickly!
We are completely helpless.

9 Our God, you keep us safe.
Now help us! Rescue us.
Forgive our sins
and bring honor to yourself.

10 Why should nations ask us,
“Where is your God?”
Let us and the other nations
see you take revenge
for your servants who died
a violent death.

11 Listen to the prisoners groan!
Let your mighty power save all
who are sentenced to die.

12 Each of those nations sneered
at you, our Lord.
Now let others sneer at them,
seven times as much.

13 Then we, your people,
will always thank you.
We are like sheep
with you as our shepherd,
and all generations
will hear us praise you.