1A Psalm by Asaph. God, foreign nations have invaded your land. They have made your holy temple unholy. They have turned Jerusalem into ruins.
2They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds and the flesh of your faithful people for the wild animals.
3They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one left to bury them.
4Our neighbors insult us; those around us mock and ridicule us.
5How long, Yahweh? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6Pour out your anger on the nations that don't know you, on the kingdoms that don't pray to you.
7For they have destroyed the people of Jacob and ruined their homeland.
8Don't hold the sins of our ancestors against us. Let your tender mercy quickly reach us, because we are in desperate need.
9Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name. Rescue us and forgive our sins, because of your reputation.
10Why should the nations ask, "Where is their God?" Let us see with our own eyes your vengeance poured out on them for the blood of your servants.
11Listen to the groaning of the prisoners. With your great power, save those who are sentenced to death.
12Pay back our neighbors seven times over for the insults they have thrown at you, Lord.
13Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever. We will praise you for all generations.