1God, heathen nations have invaded your land. They have defiled your holy Temple. They have turned Jerusalem into heaps of rubble.

2They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your faithful people to the beasts of the earth.

3They have poured out the blood of Jerusalem's people like water all through the city; no one remains to bury the dead.

4We have been made a mockery before our neighbors, ridiculed and laughed at by those around us.

5How long, Lord? Will you be angry with us forever? Will your jealousy always burn like fire?

6Pour out your anger on the heathen nations that don't know you, and on those kingdoms that don't worship you!

7For they have destroyed the descendants of Jacob, and turned our country into a wasteland.

8Don't hold the sins of our forefathers against us! Come to us quickly for we desperately need your compassion.

9Help us, God of our salvation, because of your wonderful character! Save us and forgive us our sins because that's the kind of person you are! ²⁸⁴

10Why should the heathen nations be able to say, “Where is their God?” May they experience your punishment for shedding the blood of your servants, and may we see it.

11Listen to the groans of the prisoners; with your great power save those condemned to die.

12Pay each of these neighbors back seven times for the scorn and ridicule they directed against you, Lord.

13Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will praise you forever. We will thank you for all generations to come.