1O God , the heathen are come into thine inheritance ; thy holy temple have they defiled ; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps . 2The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven , the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth . 3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem ; and there was none to bury them . 4We are become a reproach to our neighbours , a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
A Plea for Divine Intervention
5How long, LORD ? wilt thou be angry for ever ? shall thy jealousy burn like fire ? 6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name . 7For they have devoured Jacob , and laid waste his dwelling place . 8O remember not against us former iniquities : let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low .
Call for Justice and Restoration
9Help us, O God of our salvation , for the glory of thy name : and deliver us, and purge away our sins , for thy name’s sake. 10Wherefore should the heathen say , Where is their God ? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed . 11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die ; 12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach , wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord .
Hope for Deliverance
13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever : we will shew forth thy praise to all generations .