[1] O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture?
[2] Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth.
[3] Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary.
[4] There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards.
[5] They swung their axes like woodcutters in a forest.
[6] With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling.
[7] They burned your sanctuary to the ground. They defiled the place that bears your name.
[8] Then they thought, “Let’s destroy everything!” So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped.
[9] We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end.
[10] How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever?
[11] Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them.
[12] You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.
[13] You split the sea by your strength and smashed the heads of the sea monsters.
[14] You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert animals eat him.
[15] You caused the springs and streams to gush forth, and you dried up rivers that never run dry.
[16] Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun.
[17] You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter.
[18] See how these enemies insult you, Lord. A foolish nation has dishonored your name.
[19] Don’t let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves. Don’t forget your suffering people forever.
[20] Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence!
[21] Don’t let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.
[22] Arise, O God, and defend your cause. Remember how these fools insult you all day long.
[23] Don’t overlook what your enemies have said or their growing uproar.