New Living Translation

Psalms • Chapter 79

1 O God (Elohim), pagan nations have conquered your land,<br>your special possession.<br>They have defiled your holy Temple<br>and made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.<br> 2 They have left the bodies of your servants<br>as food for the birds of heaven.<br>The flesh of your godly ones<br>has become food for the wild animals.<br> 3 Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem;<br>no one is left to bury the dead.<br> 4 We are mocked by our neighbors,<br>an object of scorn and derision to those around us.<br> 5 O LORD, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?<br>How long will your jealousy burn like fire?<br> 6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you —<br>on kingdoms that do not call upon your name.<br> 7 For they have devoured your people Israel,<br>making the land a desolate wilderness.<br> 8 Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors!<br>Let your compassion quickly meet our needs,<br>for we are on the brink of despair.<br> 9 Help us, O God (Elohim) of our salvation!<br>Help us for the glory of your name.<br>Save us and forgive our sins<br>for the honor of your name.<br> 10 Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff,<br>asking, “Where is their God (Elohim)?”<br>Show us your vengeance against the nations,<br>for they have spilled the blood of your servants.<br> 11 Listen to the moaning of the prisoners.<br>Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.<br> 12 O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times<br>for the scorn they have hurled at you.<br> 13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,<br>will thank you forever and ever,<br>praising your greatness from generation to generation.<br>