[1] Why have you rejected us forever, God? Why does your anger burn against the sheep of your pasture? [2] Remember your congregation, which you purchased long ago and redeemed as the tribe for your own possession. Remember Mount Zion where you dwell. [3] Make your way to the perpetual ruins, to all that the enemy has destroyed in the sanctuary. [4] Your adversaries roared in the meeting place where you met with us. They set up their emblems as signs. [5] It was like men in a thicket of trees, wielding axes, [6] then smashing all the carvings with hatchets and picks. [7] They set your sanctuary on fire; they utterly desecrated the dwelling place of your name. [8] They said in their hearts, "Let's oppress them relentlessly." They burned every place throughout the land where God met with us. [9] There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer a prophet. And none of us knows how long this will last. [10] God, how long will the enemy mock? Will the foe insult your name forever? [11] Why do you hold back your hand? Stretch out your right hand and destroy them! [12] God my King is from ancient times, performing saving acts on the earth. [13] You divided the sea with your strength; you smashed the heads of the sea monsters in the water; [14] you crushed the heads of Leviathan; you fed him to the creatures of the desert. [15] You opened up springs and streams; you dried up ever-flowing rivers. [16] The day is yours, also the night; you established the moon and the sun. [17] You set all the boundaries of the earth; you made summer and winter. [18] Remember this: the enemy has mocked the LORD, and a foolish people has insulted your name. [19] Do not give to beasts the life of your dove; do not forget the lives of your poor people forever. [20] Consider the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of violence. [21] Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. [22] Rise up, God, champion your cause! Remember the insults that fools bring against you all day long. [23] Do not forget the clamor of your adversaries, the tumult of your opponents that goes up constantly.
