74:1 Why have you rejected us for ever, O God? Why does your anger smoulder against the sheep of your pasture?
74:2 Remember the people you purchased of old, the tribe of your inheritance, whom you redeemed Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
74:3 Turn your steps towards these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
74:4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us they set up their standards as signs.
74:5 They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees.
74:6 They smashed all the carved panelling with their axes and hatchets.
74:7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground they defiled the dwelling-place of your Name.
74:8 They said in their hearts, We will crush them completely! They burned every place where God was worshipped in the land.
74:9 We are given no miraculous signs no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.
74:10 How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name for ever?
74:11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
74:12 But you, O God, are my king from of old you bring salvation upon the earth.
74:13 It was you who split open the sea by your power you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
74:14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert.
74:15 It was you who opened up springs and streams you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
74:16 The day is yours, and yours also the night you established the sun and moon.
74:17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth you made both summer and winter.
74:18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name.
74:19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts do not forget the lives of your afflicted people for ever.
74:20 Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
74:21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace may the poor and needy praise your name.
74:22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause remember how fools mock you all day long.
74:23 Do not ignore the clamour of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.75 FOR THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC. TO THE TUNE OF DO NOT DESTROY. A PSALM OF ASAPH. A SONG.