Psalms 79

A Psalm of Asaph.

1O God, the heathen have come into thy inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.1 2The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be food to the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints to the beasts of the earth. 3Their blood have they shed like water around Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them . 4We have become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are around us. 5How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name. 7For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. 8O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily come to help us: for we are brought very low.2 9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. 10Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by avenging the blood of thy servants which is shed.3 11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;45 12And render to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached thee, O Lord. 13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations.6