Upon the destruction of the city and temple

1O LORD God, to Whom vengeance belongs; God, Who avenges, show Yourself. 2Arise, Judge of the earth; render to the arrogant what they deserve. 3LORD, how long, how long shall the wicked triumph? 4How long shall they utter their insolent words, and all their wicked boasts? 5They crush Your people, O LORD, and afflict Your heritage. 6They kill widows and strangers; they murder the fatherless. 7They say, “The LORD will not see, nor shall the God of Jacob take notice.”

8Wise up, you stupid fools; when will you learn? 9He Who made the ear, shall He not hear? He Who formed the eye, shall He not see? 10He Who disciplines the nations, shall not He punish? He Who teaches man knowledge, shall He not know? 11The LORD knows the thoughts of man, and how vain they often are.

12Blessed is the man whom You discipline and instruct out of Your law, O LORD; 13That You may give him relief from the times of trouble, until a pit is finally dug to trap the wicked. 14For the LORD will not forsake His people, nor His inheritance. 15But judgment shall again be based upon righteousness; and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

16Who will rise and take a stand for me against the evildoers – the workers of iniquity? 17Unless the LORD had helped me, I would have soon entered the silence of the grave. 18When I said, “My foot is slipping”, Your mercy, O LORD, upheld me. 19When my many anxious thoughts arose within me, Your comforts delighted my soul.

20Can those that impose corrupt laws have any association with You, the Author of pure justice? 21They band together against the righteous, and condemn the innocent to death. 22But the LORD is my defense; and my God is the Rock of my refuge. 23And He shall repay them for their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall destroy them.