Study Desk

A maskil^[a] of Asaph.

O God, why have you rejected^(a) us forever?^(b) Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?^(c)

Remember the nation you purchased^(d) long ago,^(e) the people of your inheritance,^(f) whom you redeemed^(g)— Mount Zion,^(h) where you dwelt.⁽ⁱ⁾

Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,^(j) all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.

Your foes roared^(k) in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards^(l) as signs.

They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees.^(m)

They smashed all the carved⁽ⁿ⁾ paneling with their axes and hatchets.

They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled^(o) the dwelling place^(p) of your Name.^(q)

They said in their hearts, "We will crush^(r) them completely!" They burned^(s) every place where God was worshiped in the land.

We are given no signs from God;^(t) no prophets^(u) are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.

How long^(v) will the enemy mock^(w) you, God? Will the foe revile^(x) your name forever?

Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?^(y) Take it from the folds of your garment^(z) and destroy them!

But God is my King^(aa) from long ago; he brings salvation^(ab) on the earth.

It was you who split open the sea^(ac) by your power; you broke the heads of the monster^(ad) in the waters.

It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan^(ae) and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.^(af)

It was you who opened up springs^(ag) and streams; you dried up^(ah) the ever-flowing rivers.

The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.^(ai)

It was you who set all the boundaries^(aj) of the earth; you made both summer and winter.^(ak)

Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord , how foolish people^(al) have reviled your name.

Do not hand over the life of your dove^(am) to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted^(an) people forever.

Have regard for your covenant,^(ao) because haunts of violence fill the dark places^(ap) of the land.

Do not let the oppressed^(aq) retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy^(ar) praise your name.

Rise up,^(as) O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools^(at) mock you all day long.

Do not ignore the clamor^(au) of your adversaries,^(av) the uproar^(aw) of your enemies,^(ax) which rises continually.