A Maskil of Asaph.
[79:1] O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
[79:2] They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
[79:3] They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them.
[79:4] We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.
[79:5] How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
[79:6] Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call upon your name!
[79:7] For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation.
[79:8] Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
[79:9] Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!
[79:10] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes!
[79:11] Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!
[79:12] Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord!
[79:13] But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.