Psalm 79

William Helder © 1972, 2006

1. Your land, O God, the gentiles have invaded;
   By heathen hordes Your heritage was raided.
   Look how they have, without restraint or pity,
   Defiled Your temple and destroyed Your city.
   To carrion bird and beast
   They offered as a feast
   The saints whom they did slaughter;
   Around Jerusalem,
   With none to bury them,
   Their blood was poured like water.
   
2. We are a taunt to those around us dwelling.
   When will You come, the enemy expelling?
   O hear us, LORD! Will You extinguish never
   Your jealous anger? Will it burn forever?
   Your wrath, O LORD, pour out
   On all who Your name flout;
   Consume the godless nations,
   For greedily have they
   Seized Jacob as their prey
   And razed his habitation.
   
3. Remember not the misdeeds of our fathers;
   Hold not their guilt against us, LORD, but rather
   Show Your compassion to Your humbled nation
   And come with haste, O God of our salvation!
   O LORD, increase Your fame,
   The glory of Your name;
   Free us from all oppression.
   True to Your promises,
   Hear us in our distress
   And pardon our transgressions.
   
4. Why should the heathen, Israel deriding,
   Ask in contempt, “Where may their God be hiding?”
   Arise, O Lord! Strike in retaliation;
   The blood of saints avenge before the nations!
   And may You from Your throne
   Hear how the prisoners groan.
   Your greatness manifesting,
   Preserve us as of old;
   Repay them sevenfold
   Who taunt You with their jesting.
   
5. We shall forever joyful praises render
   To You, O LORD, our shepherd and defender.
   We as Your flock, Your chosen congregation,
   Shall give You thanks through every generation.