O God, into thy heritage

Verse 1

O God, into thy heritage the heathen entrance made; thy holy place they have defiled, on heaps Jerusalem laid.

Verse 2

Thy servants' bodies they have cast to fowls of heaven for meat; and of thy saints have thrown the flesh to beasts of earth to eat.

Verse 3

Their blood about Jerusalem like water they have shed; and there was none to bury them when they were slain and dead.

Verse 4

Unto our neighbours a reproach most base become are we, a scorn and laughing-stock to those that round about us be.

Verse 5

How long, Lord, shall thine anger last? Wilt thou still keep the same? And shall thy fervent jealousy burn like unto a flame?

Verse 6

Thy fury on the heathen pour that have thee never known, and on those kingdoms which thy name have never called upon.

Verse 7

For these are they who have devoured thy servant Jacob's race; and they all waste and desolate have made his dwelling-place.

Verse 8

Against us count not former sins, thy tender mercies show; let them prevent us speedily: we are brought very low.

Verse 9

For thy name's glory help us, Lord, who hast our Saviour been: deliver us; for thy name's sake O purge away our sin.

Verse 10

Why say the heathen, Where's their God? Let him to them be known, when those who shed ty servants' blood are in our sight o'erthrown.

Verse 11

O let the prisoner's sighs ascend before thy sight on high; preserve thou in thy mighty power those that are doomed to die.

Verse 12

And to our neighbours' bosom let it sevenfold rendered be, even the reproach wherewith they have O Lord, reproached there.

Verse 13

So we, thy folk, and pasture-sheep, shall give thee thanks always; and unto generations all we will show forth thy praise.