Psalm 79 is the ancient cry of a nation in ruins - Asaph’s lament over the fall of Jerusalem, the defiled temple, and the bodies of the faithful left unburied.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

God, the nations have come into your inheritance They have defiled your holy temple They have laid Jerusalem in heaps

They have given the dead bodies of your servants To be food for the birds of the sky The flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem There was no one to bury them

We have become a reproach to our neighbours A scoffing and derision to those who are around us How long, LORD, will you be angry forever Will your jealousy burn like fire

Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you On the kingdoms that don’t call on your name For they have devoured Jacob And destroyed his homeland

Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us Let your tender mercies speedily meet us For we are in desperate need Help us, God of our salvation

For the glory of your name Deliver us and forgive our sins For your name’s sake Why should the nations say, Where is their God

Let it be known amongst the nations before our eyes That vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you According to the greatness of your power preserve those who are sentenced to death

So we, your people and sheep of your pasture Will give you thanks forever We will praise you forever To all generations

God, don’t keep silent Don’t keep silent and don’t be still, God

Listen

Psalms 79 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press