1 O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. |
2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants
as food to the birds of the air,
the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth. |
3 They have poured out blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury the dead. |
4 We are objects of reproach to our neighbors,
of scorn and derision to those around us. |
5 How long, O LORD ? Will you be angry forever?
How long will your jealousy burn like fire? |
6 Pour out your wrath on the nations
that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms
that do not call on your name; |
7 for they have devoured Jacob
and destroyed his homeland. |
8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers;
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need. |
9 Help us, O God our Savior,
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?"
Before our eyes, make known among the nations
that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. |
11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you;
by the strength of your arm
preserve those condemned to die. |
12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times
the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord. |
13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will praise you forever;
from generation to generation
we will recount your praise. |
