A Psalm of Asaph, upon the destruction of the city and temple.

1O God, the nations have invaded Your inheritance; defiled Your holy Temple; and have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. 2They have left the dead bodies of Your servants for the birds of the sky, and the flesh of Your saints for the beasts of the earth. 3They have shed their blood like water throughout Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them. 4We are objects of scorn to our neighbors, mocked and derided by all those around us.

5How long, LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? 6Pour out Your wrath upon those nations that refuse to acknowledge You, and upon the kingdoms that will not call upon Your name. 7For they have devoured Jacob, and devastated his dwelling place.

8Do not hold the sins and guilt of our fathers against us; but let Your tender mercies quickly meet our needs; for we are in a desperate state. 9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and cleanse us of our sins, for Your name’s sake. 10Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let us see Your vengeance displayed among the heathen nations, for the blood shed by Your servants. 11Let the groans of the prisoner come before You; and rescue those that are appointed to die, according to Your great power; 12And repay our neighbors sevenfold for the contempt that they have hurled at You, O LORD. 13So that we, Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, may give You thanks forever; we will declare Your praise to all generations.