Study Desk

A psalm of Asaph.

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;^(a) they have defiled^(b) your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.^(c)

They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky,^(d) the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.^(e)

They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury^(f) the dead.^(g)

We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn^(h) and derision to those around us.⁽ⁱ⁾

How long,^(j) Lord ? Will you be angry^(k) forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?^(l)

Pour out your wrath^(m) on the nations that do not acknowledge⁽ⁿ⁾ you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;^(o)

for they have devoured^(p) Jacob and devastated his homeland.

Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;^(q) may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.^(r)

Help us,^(s) God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.^(t)

Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"^(u) Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge^(v) the outpoured blood^(w) of your servants.

May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.

Pay back into the laps^(x) of our neighbors seven times^(y) the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,^(z) will praise you forever;^(aa) from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.