Psalm 74

1God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smoke against the flock of your pasture?

2Remember your congregation, acquired by you long ago, redeemed as the tribe of your inheritance—this Mount Zion, where you dwelt.

3Lift your feet to the perpetual desolations—all the evil the enemy has done in the sanctuary.

4Your adversaries roared in the midst of your assembly; they set their signs as signs.

5They became known for brandishing axes aloft in a thicket of trees.

6Now they smash its carvings together with axes and hammers.

7They cast fire into your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling of your name.

8They planned in their hearts to oppress them altogether; they burned all the meeting places of God in the land.

9We have not seen our signs; there is no prophet any longer, nor anyone among us who knows how long.

10How long, God, will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme your name forever?

11Why do you hold back your hand, even your right hand, from the midst of your decree, your bosom? Consume them!

12God is my king from ancient times, working deliverances in the midst of the earth.

13You split the sea by your might; you broke the heads of the sea monsters upon the waters.

14You crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the people and desert beasts.

15You split open the spring and the stream; you dried up mighty rivers.

16The day is yours, the night yours too; you established the light and the sun.

17You appointed all the earth's boundaries; you fashioned summer and winter.

18Remember this, Yahweh: the enemy has taunted you, and foolish people have scorned your name.

19Do not hand the soul of your dove over to the wild beast; do not forget the life of your afflicted forever.

20Consider the covenant, for the dark places of the earth are filled with habitations of violence.

21Do not let the crushed return ashamed; let the humble and needy praise your name.

22Arise, O God, and plead your cause; remember your reproach from the fool all day long.

23Do not forget the voice of your adversaries; the uproar of those rising against you ascends continually.