| 79:1 |
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. |
| 79:2 |
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. |
| 79:3 |
They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. |
| 79:4 |
We are objects of reproach to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us. |
| 79:5 |
How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? |
| 79:6 |
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; |
| 79:7 |
for they have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland. |
| 79:8 |
Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. |
| 79:9 |
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. |
| 79:10 |
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. |
| 79:11 |
May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die. |
| 79:12 |
Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord. |
| 79:13 |
Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. |
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