Psalms 79:5-12

5Lord, how long will this continue? Will you be angry with us for ever? Will you always be angry, like a fire that continues to burn?

6Please punish those nations that do not respect you. Be angry with the kingdoms that do not pray to you.

7They have destroyed Jacob's descendants and the land where they live.

8Our ancestors did bad things, but do not say that we are guilty because of that. Be kind and send help to us quickly. We are in a lot of trouble!

9God, help us! You are the one who can save us. Rescue us, so that people will respect your great name. Forgive our sins, so that people know you are good.

10Foreign nations are saying about us, ‘Their God cannot help them!’ That is not right! People of those nations have murdered your servants, so punish them for us to see.

11Listen to the prisoners who are in pain! They are calling out for help. Use your great power to make them free, before their enemies kill them.

12Lord, those countries near to us have insulted you. Punish them as they deserve, seven times over! Give them as much trouble as they have given to you.