1A thoughtful song by Asaph. God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger burn against the people you care for?
2Remember your community, which you bought long ago, which you saved to be the people group of your heritage; Mount Zion, where you have lived.
3Come and see the endless ruins, all the evil things the enemy has done in your holy place.
4Your enemies have roared in the middle of your gathering. They have set up their symbols as flags.
5They acted like men using axes to cut down a thick forest.
6Now they are breaking down all its carved decorations with hatchets and hammers.
7They have burned your holy place to the ground. They have made the place where your Name lives unclean.
8They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely.” They have burned up all the places in the land where God was worshiped.
9We see no miracles. There is no longer any prophet, nor is there anyone among us who knows how long this will last.
10How long, God, will the enemy insult you? Will the enemy speak evil of your name forever?
11Why do you hold back your hand, even your right hand? Take it out of your pocket and destroy them!
12Yet God is my King from ancient times, bringing salvation everywhere on earth.
13You split the sea with your power. You crushed the heads of the sea monsters in the water.
14You broke Leviathan's heads into pieces. You gave him as food to people and desert creatures.
15You opened up springs and streams. You dried up mighty rivers.
16The day is yours, and the night is also yours. You made the light and the sun.
17You set all the boundaries of the earth. You made summer and winter.
18Remember this: Your enemies have mocked you, Yahweh. Foolish people have insulted your name.
19Do not let wild animals destroy your defenseless people. Do not forget the lives of your poor people forever.
20Keep your promise, because violent places fill the dark corners of the earth.
21Do not let the oppressed leave feeling humiliated. Let the poor and needy praise your name.
22Rise up, God! Argue your own case. Remember how foolish people mock you all day long.
23Don’t forget what your enemies say; the noise of those who rebel against you is always rising.