(A psalm by Asaph for the music leader. To the tune “Lilies of the Agreement”.)

Help our nation

1Shepherd of Israel, you lead80.1: Ex 25.22.

the descendants of Joseph,

and you sit on your throne

above the winged creatures.80.1 winged creatures: Two winged creatures made of gold were on the top of the sacred chest and were symbols of the LORD's throne on earth (see Exodus 25.18).

Listen to our prayer

and let your light shine

2for the tribes of Ephraim,

Benjamin, and Manasseh.

Save us by your power.

3Our God, make us strong again!

Smile on us and save us.

4LORD God All-Powerful,

how much longer

will the prayers of your people

make you angry?

5You gave us tears for food,

and you made us drink them

by the bowlful.

6Because of you,

our enemies who live nearby

laugh and joke about us.

7But if you smile on us,

we will be saved.

8We were like a grapevine

you brought out of Egypt.

You chased other nations away

and planted us here.

9Then you cleared the ground,

and we put our roots deep,

spreading over the land.

10Shade from this vine covered

the mountains.

Its branches climbed

the mighty cedars

11and stretched to the sea;

its new growth reached

to the river.80.11 the sea…the river: The Mediterranean Sea and the River Euphrates were part of the ideal boundaries for Israel.

12Our Lord, why have you

torn down the wall

from around the vineyard?

You let everyone who walks by

pick the grapes.

13Now the vine is gobbled up

by pigs from the forest

and other wild animals.

14God All-Powerful,

please do something!

Look down from heaven

and see what's happening

to this vine.

15With your own hands

you planted its roots,

and you raised it

as your very own.

16Enemies chopped the vine down

and set it on fire.

Now show your anger

and destroy them.

17But help the one who sits

at your right side,80.17 right side: See the note at 16.11.

the one you raised

to be your own.

18Then we will never turn away.

Put new life into us,

and we will worship you.

19LORD God All-Powerful,

make us strong again!

Smile on us and save us.