[1] God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. [2] They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth. [3] They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem. There was no one to bury them. [4] We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us. [5] How long, Yahweh? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? [6] Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you, on the kingdoms that don’t call on your name, [7] for they have devoured Jacob, and destroyed his homeland. [8] Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need. [9] Help us, God of our salvation, 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?” Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out. [11] Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. [12] Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord. [13] So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.
