[1] O God, why have you cast us away forever? Why is your anger hot against us-the sheep of your own pasture? [2] Remember that we are your people-the ones you chose in ancient times from slavery and made the choicest of your possessions. You chose Jerusalem as your home on earth! [3] Walk through the awful ruins of the city and see what the enemy has done to your sanctuary. [4] There they shouted their battle cry and erected their idols to flaunt their victory. [5] Everything lies in shambles like a forest chopped to the ground. They came with their axes and sledgehammers and smashed and chopped the carved paneling; [7] they set the sanctuary on fire, and razed it to the ground-your sanctuary, Lord. [8] "Let's wipe out every trace of God," they said, and went through the entire country burning down the assembly places where we worshiped you. [9] There is nothing left to show that we are your people. The prophets are gone, and who can say when it all will end? How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to dishonor your name? Will you let them get away with this forever? [11] Why do you delay? Why hold back your power? Unleash your fist and give them a final blow. [12] God is my King from ages past; you have been actively helping me everywhere throughout the land. [13] You divided the Red Sea with your strength; you crushed the sea god's heads! You gave him to the desert tribes to eat! [15] At your command the springs burst forth to give your people water; and then you dried a path for them across the ever-flowing Jordan. [16] Day and night alike belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. [17] All nature is within your hands; you make the summer and the winter too. [18] Lord, see how these enemies scoff at you. O Jehovah, an arrogant nation has blasphemed your name. [19] O Lord, save me! Protect your turtledove from the hawks. Save your beloved people from these beasts. [20] Remember your promise! For the land is full of darkness and cruel men. [21] O Lord, don't let your downtrodden people be constantly insulted. Give cause for these poor and needy ones to praise your name! [22] Arise, O God, and state your case against our enemies. Remember the insults these rebels have hurled against you all day long. [23] Don't overlook the cursing of these enemies of yours; it grows louder and louder.
