 1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth. 3 They have shed their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and none to bury. 4 We have become a shame to our neighbors, a scorn and mockery to those who are around us. 5 How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Shall your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out your wrath on the nations who have not known you, and on the kingdoms who have not called on your name. 7 For they have eaten up Jacob, and wasted his dwelling place. 8 O do not remember against us our former sins. Let your tender mercies meet us quickly. For we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. And deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name's sake. 10 Why should the nations say, Where is their God? Let Him be known among the nations before our eyes by the revenging of the blood of your servants that is shed. 11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power leave a remnant of those who are to die. 12 Give to our neighbors their curse sevenfold into their bosom, the curse with which they have cursed you, O Lord. 13 Then we, your people and sheep of your pasture will give you thanks forever. We will show forth your praise to all generations.
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