[1] God, nations have come against your chosen people. They have ruined your holy Temple. They have turned Jerusalem into ruins. [2] They have given the bodies of your servants as food to the wild birds. They have given the bodies of those who worship you to the wild animals. [3] They have spilled blood like water all around Jerusalem. No one was left to bury the dead. [4] We are a joke to the other nations; they laugh and make fun of us. [5] LORD, how long will this last? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like a fire? [6] Be angry with the nations that do not know you and with the kingdoms that do not honor you. [7] They have gobbled up the people of Jacob and destroyed their land. [8] Don't punish us for our past sins. Show your mercy to us soon, because we are helpless! [9] God our Savior, help us so people will praise you. Save us and forgive our sins so people will honor you. [10] Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Tell the other nations in our presence that you punish those who kill your servants. [11] Hear the moans of the prisoners. Use your great power to save those sentenced to die. [12] Repay those around us seven times over for their insults to you, Lord. [13] We are your people, the sheep of your flock. We will thank you always; forever and ever we will praise you.
