Maschil of Asaph, upon the destruction of the city and temple.

1O God, why have You forsaken us forever? Why does Your anger burn against the sheep of Your pasture? 2Remember we are Your people whom You have purchased long ago; the rod of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed; and Mount Zion, in which You have dwelt. 3Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins, all that the enemy has done in the sanctuary. 4Your enemies shouted in the middle of Your Temple; they set up their banners for signs of their victory. 5They wielded their axes like woodcutters in a tree forest. 6But now they smashed the beautiful carved work of Your Temple with axes and hammers. 7They have set fire to Your sanctuary; they defiled it by tearing the dwelling place of Your name down to the ground. 8They said in their hearts, “Let us completely destroy them.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. 9We are given no signs from God; there is no longer any prophet, nor is there among us any that knows how long this will last. 10O God, how long shall the adversary mock You? Shall they blaspheme Your name forever? 11Why do You withdraw Your hand? Remove Your right hand from Your bosom.

12Yet You, God, are my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea serpents in the waters. 14You broke in pieces the heads of leviathan, and gave him for food to the creatures of the wilderness. 15You split open the springs and streams; You dried up mighty rivers. 16The day is Yours, as is the night, also; You have established the heavenly lights, moon, starlight and the sun. 17You have set all the boundaries of the earth; You have established summer and winter.

18Remember how the enemy has mocked, O LORD, and how the foolish people have blasphemed Your name. 19Do not deliver the soul of those who rely upon Your salvation to the wicked mob; do not forget Your oppressed people forever. 20Have regard for Your covenant; for the dark corners of the earth are where cruelty prevails. 21O do not let the oppressed retreat in humiliation; may the poor and needy praise Your name. 22Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man mocks You daily. 23Remember the taunting shouts of Your enemies; the uproar of those who rise against You grows in volume continually.