Psalm 78: Lamentation. Preparation for Confession.

Prayer on the occasion of the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. Israel is punished because of her infidelity. Let the Lord be merciful towards those in bondage.

Parallel Latin-English Psalter: Psalms Index

Psalm 78: Prayer Audio in Latin

{78:1} Psalmus Asaph. Deus venerunt Gentes in hereditatem tuam, polluerunt templum sanctum tuum: posuerunt Ierusalem in pomorum custodiam.
{78:1} A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the Gentiles have entered into your inheritance; they have polluted your holy temple. They have set Jerusalem as a place to tend fruit trees.

{78:2} Posuerunt morticina servorum tuorum, escas volatilibus cæli: carnes sanctorum tuorum bestiis terræ.
{78:2} They have placed the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints for the beasts of the earth.

{78:3} Effuderunt sanguinem eorum tamquam aquam in circuitu Ierusalem: et non erat qui sepeliret.
{78:3} They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one who would bury them.

{78:4} Facti sumus opprobrium vicinis nostris: subsannatio et illusio his, qui in circuitu nostro sunt.
{78:4} We have become a disgrace to our neighbors, an object of ridicule and mockery to those who are around us.

{78:5} Usquequo Domine, irasceris in finem: accendetur velut ignis zelus tuus?
{78:5} How long, O Lord? Will you be angry until the end? Will your zeal be kindled like a fire?

{78:6} Effunde iram tuam in Gentes, quæ te non noverunt: et in regna, quæ nomen tuum non invocaverunt:
{78:6} Pour out your wrath among the Gentiles, who have not known you, and upon the kingdoms that have not invoked your name.

{78:7} Quia comederunt Iacob: et locum eius desolaverunt.
{78:7} For they have devoured Jacob, and they have desolated his place.

{78:8} Ne memineris iniquitatum nostrarum antiquarum, cito anticipent nos misericordiæ tuæ: quia pauperes facti sumus nimis.
{78:8} Do not remember our iniquities of the past. May your mercies quickly intercept us, for we have become exceedingly poor.

{78:9} Adiuva nos Deus salutaris noster: et propter gloriam nominis tui Domine libera nos: et propitius esto peccatis nostris, propter nomen tuum:
{78:9} Help us, O God, our Savior. And free us, Lord, for the glory of your name. And forgive us our sins for the sake of your name.

{78:10} Ne forte dicant in Gentibus: Ubi est Deus eorum? et innotescat in nationibus coram oculis nostris. Ultio sanguinis servorum tuorum, qui effusus est:
{78:10} Let them not say among the Gentiles, “Where is their God?” And may your name become known among the nations before our eyes. For the retribution of your servants’ blood, which has been poured out:

{78:11} introeat in conspectu tuo gemitus compeditorum. Secundum magnitudinem brachii tui, posside filios mortificatorum.
{78:11} may the groans of the shackled enter before you. According to the greatness of your arm, take possession of the sons of those who have been killed.

{78:12} Et redde vicinis nostris septuplum in sinu eorum: improperium ipsorum, quod exprobraverunt tibi Domine.
{78:12} And repay our neighbors sevenfold within their sinews. It is the reproach of the same ones who brought reproach against you, O Lord.

{78:13} Nos autem populus tuus, et oves pascuæ tuæ, confitebimur tibi in sæculum: In generationem et generationem annunciabimus laudem tuam.
{78:13} But we are your people and the sheep of your pasture: we will give thanks to you in all ages. From generation to generation, we will announce your praise.