Psalm 79
O God, the heathen have come into your land
: they have defiled your holy temple,
they have made Jerusalem a heap of stones.
They have given the dead bodies of your servants
as food to the birds of the air
: and the flesh of your faithful ones to the wild beasts of the earth.
Their blood they have spilt like water on every side of Jerusalem
: and there is none to bury them.
We have become a mockery to our neighbours
: the scorn and laughing-stock of those about us.
How long, O Lord, shall your anger be so extreme
: will your jealous fury burn like fire?
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you
: on the kingdoms that have not called upon your name.
For they have devoured Jacob
: and made his dwelling-place a desolation.
Do not remember against us the sin of former times
: but let your compassion hasten to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God our saviour, for the honour of your name
: O deliver us and expiate our sins, for your name’s sake.
[Why should the heathen say ‘Where is their God?’
: O let vengeance for the blood of your servants that is shed
be shown upon the nations in our sight.]
Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before you
: and as your power is great, reprieve those condemned to die.
[For the taunts with which our neighbours have taunted you, O Lord
: repay them seven times over into their bosoms.]
So we that are your people and the sheep of your pasture
shall give you thanks for ever
: we will declare your praise in every generation.