Psalms
Summary
A Psalm of Asaph. A communal lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the defilement of the temple. It is a desperate cry for God to pour out His wrath on those who have destroyed His inheritance and to deliver His people for His name's sake.
O God, the nations are come into your inheritance; your holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
The dead bodies of your servants have they given to be meat to the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
How long, LORD? will you be angry for ever? shall your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your wrath upon the nations that have not known you, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon your name.
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
O remember not against us former iniquities; let your tender mercies speedily prevent us; for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for your name's sake.
Wherefore should the nations say, Where is their God? let him be known among the nations in our sight by the revenging of the blood of your servants which is shed.
Let the groaning of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of your power preserve you those that are appointed to die;
And render to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached you, O Lord.
So we your people and sheep of your pasture will give you thanks for ever; we will show forth your praise to all generations.