A Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem

791 O God , the nations have invaded Your inheritance ; They have defiled Your holy temple ; They have laid Jerusalem in ruins . 2 They have given the dead bodies of Your servants for food to the birds of the heavens , The flesh of Your godly ones to the beasts of the earth . 3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem ; And there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors , A scoffing and derision to those around us. 5 How long , O Lord ? Will You be angry forever ? Will Your jealousy burn like fire ?

6 Pour out Your wrath upon the nations which do not know You, And upon the kingdoms which do not call upon Your name . 7 For they have devoured Jacob And laid waste his habitation . 8 Do not remember the iniquities of our forefathers against us; Let Your compassion come quickly to meet us, For we are brought very low . 9 Help us, O God of our salvation , for the glory of Your name ; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake . 10 Why should the nations say , "Where is their God ?" Let there be known among the nations in our sight , Vengeance for the blood of Your servants which has been shed . 11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are doomed to die . 12 And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom The reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord . 13 So we Your people and the sheep of Your pasture Will give thanks to You forever ; To all generations we will tell of Your praise .