1[A Psalm by Asaph.] God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.

2They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your faithful to the animals of the earth.

3Their blood they have shed like water around Jerusalem. There was no one to bury them.

4We have become objects of contempt to our neighbors, mocked and ridiculed by those who are around us.

5How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you; on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;

7For they have devoured Jacob, and destroyed his homeland.

8Do not hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need.

9Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.

10Why 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.

11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, free those who are sentenced to death.

12Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their lap the insults with which they have insulted you, Lord.

13So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.