Priestly Intro
1 A psalm for Asaph.
Exilic Lament
O God,
the heathen have come into your inheritance.
They have defiled your Holy Temple.
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
2 They have given the carcasses of your servants
as food for the birds of the heavens,
the flesh of your beloved
for the beasts of the earth.
3 They have spilled their blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
a scorn and a derision to those around us.
5 How long, O Yahweh?
Shall you be angry forever?
Shall your zeal burn like fire?
6 Pour out your wrath on the heathen
that have not known you,
and the kingdoms
that have not called on your name.
7 For they have devoured Jacob,
and laid waste to his dwelling place.
8 Do not remember our former iniquities.
Speedily send your compassions toward us,
for we are laid very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name!
And save us,
and purge away our sins,
for the glory of your name.
10 Why should the heathen say,
"Where is their God?"
Let it be known among the heathen,
before our eyes,
vengeance for the blood
of your servants that was shed.
11 Let the sighing of the prisoner
come before you,
as the power of your glory
preserves the sons of death.
12 So render to our neighbors sevenfold
reproach into their laps,
as they have reproached you, Lord.
13 And we, your people,
and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever.
From generation to generation
we will show forth your praise.