Psalm 79:1-9

Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by Asaph.)

Have Pity on Jerusalem

¹^(A) Our God, foreign nations
    have taken your land,
    disgraced your temple,
    and left Jerusalem in ruins.
²They have fed the bodies
of your servants
    to flesh-eating birds;
your loyal people are food
    for savage animals.
³All Jerusalem is covered
    with their blood,
and there is no one left
    to bury them.
⁴Every nation around us
    sneers and makes fun.

⁵Our Lord, will you keep on
    being angry?
Will your angry feelings
    keep flaming up like fire?
⁶Get angry with those nations
that don't know you
    and won't worship you!
⁷They have gobbled up
Jacob's descendants
    and left the land in ruins.

⁸^(B) Don't make us pay for the sins
    of our ancestors.
Have pity and come quickly!
    We are completely helpless.
⁹Our God, you keep us safe.
    Now help us! Rescue us.
Forgive our sins
    and bring honor to yourself.