• How Long, O Yahweh?

  • 1 O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; They have defiled Your holy temple; They have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
  • 2 They have given the dead bodies of Your slaves for food to the birds of the heavens, The flesh of Your holy ones to the beasts of the earth.
  • 3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem; And there was no one to bury them.
  • 4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, A mockery and derision to those around us.
  • 5 How long, O Yahweh? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
  • 6 Pour out Your wrath upon the nations which do not know You, And upon the kingdoms which do not call upon Your name.
  • 7 For they have devoured Jacob And laid waste his abode.
  • 8 Do not remember our former iniquities against us; Let Your compassion quickly approach us, 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 it be known among the nations before our eyes: Vengeance for the blood of Your slaves which has been poured out.
  • 11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are doomed to die.
  • 12 And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom The reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.
  • 13 But as for us, as Your people and the sheep of Your pasture, We will give thanks to You forever; From generation to generation we will recount Your praise.