79:1   (A psalm by Asaph.) Our God, foreign nations have taken your land, disgraced your temple, and left Jerusalem in ruins.

79:2   They have fed the bodies of your servants to flesh-eating birds; your loyal people are food for savage animals.

79:3   All Jerusalem is covered with their blood, and there is no one left to bury them.

79:4   Every nation around us sneers and makes fun.

79:5   Our LORD, will you keep on being angry? Will your angry feelings keep flaming up like fire?

79:6   Get angry with those nations that don't know you and won't worship you!

79:7   They have gobbled down Jacob's descendants and left the land in ruins.

79:8   Don't make us pay for the sins of our ancestors. Have pity and come quickly! We are completely helpless.

79:9   Our God, you keep us safe. Now help us! Rescue us. Forgive our sins and bring honor to yourself.

79:10   Why should nations ask us, "Where is your God?" Let us and the other nations see you take revenge for your servants who died a violent death.

79:11   Listen to the prisoners groan! Let your mighty power save all who are sentenced to die.

79:12   Each of those nations sneered at you, our Lord. Now let others sneer at them, seven times as much.

79:13   Then we, your people, will always thank you. We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you.