Chapter 79
1 God, the nations have come into your inheritance . They have defiled your holy temple . They have laid Jerusalem in heaps .
2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky , the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth .
3 They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem . There was no one to bury them .
4 We have become a reproach to our neighbours , a scoffing and derision to those who are around us .
5 How long , LORD ? Will you be angry forever ? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you , on the kingdoms that don’t call on your name ,
7 for they have devoured Jacob , and destroyed his homeland.
8 Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us . Let your tender mercies speedily meet us , for we are in desperate need.
9 Help us , God of our salvation , for the glory of your name . Deliver us , and forgive our sins , for your name ’s sake .
10 Why should the nations say, " Where is their God?" Let it be known amongst the nations , before our eyes , that vengeance for your servants ’ blood is being poured out .
11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you . According to the greatness of your power , preserve those who are sentenced to death .
12 Pay back to our neighbours seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you , Lord.
13 So we , your people and sheep of your pasture , will give you thanks forever . We will praise you forever , to all generations .