[1] O God, the nations have invaded the land that belongs to you. They have dishonored your holy temple. They have left Jerusalem in ruins. [2] They have given the dead bodies of your servants to the birds for food. They have given the flesh of your godly ones to the animals. [3] They have shed the blood of your people around Jerusalem as though it were water. There is no one to bury your people. [4] We have become a disgrace to our neighbors, an object of ridicule and contempt to those around us. [5] How long, O LORD? Will you remain angry forever? Will your fury continue to burn like fire? [6] Pour your fury on the nations that do not know you, on the kingdoms that have not called you. [7] They have devoured Jacob. They have destroyed his home. [8] Do not hold the crimes of our ancestors against us. Reach out to us soon with your compassion, because we are helpless. [9] Help us, O God, our savior, for the glory of your name. Rescue us, and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. [10] Why should the nations be allowed to say, "Where is their God?" Let us watch as the nations learn that there is punishment for shedding the blood of your servants. [11] Let the groans of prisoners come into your presence. With your powerful arm rescue those who are condemned to death. [12] Pay each one of our neighbors back with seven times the number of insults they used to insult you, O Lord. [13] Then we, your people, the flock in your pasture, will give thanks to you forever. We will praise you throughout every generation.
