Chapter 78

The Church in time of persecution prayeth for relief. It seems to belong to the time of the Machabees.

1. 1

   A psalm for Asaph.

2. 2

   They have given the dead bodies of thy servants to be meat for the fowls of the air: the flesh of thy saints for the beasts of the earth.

3. 3

   They have poured out their blood as water, round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.

4. 4

   We are become a reproach to our neighbours; a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

5. 5

   How long, O Lord, wilt thou be angry for ever: shall thy zeal be kindled like a fire?

6. 6

   Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that have not known thee: and upon the kingdoms, that have not called upon thy name.

7. 7

   Because they have devoured Jacob; and have laid waste his place.

8. 8

   Remember not our former iniquities: let thy mercies speedily prevent us, for we are become exceedingly poor.

9. 9

   Help us, O God, our Saviour: and for the glory of thy name, O Lord, deliver us: and forgive us our sins for thy name's sake:

10. 10

    Lest they should say among the Gentiles: Where is their God? And let him be made known among the nations before our eyes,

11. 12

    And render to our neighbours seven-fold in their bosom: the reproach wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

12. 13

    But we thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever.