[1] LORD, remember what has happened to us. Look, and see our disgrace! [2] Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. [3] We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are widows. [4] We must pay for the water we drink; our wood comes at a price. [5] We are closely pursued; we are tired, and no one offers us rest. [6] We made a treaty with Egypt and with Assyria, to get enough food. [7] Our ancestors sinned; they no longer exist, but we bear their punishment. [8] Slaves rule over us; no one rescues us from them. [9] We secure our food at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness. [10] Our skin is as hot as an oven from the ravages of hunger. [11] Women have been raped in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah. [12] Princes have been hung up by their hands; elders are shown no respect. [13] Young men labor at millstones; boys stumble under loads of wood. [14] The elders have left the city gate, the young men, their music. [15] Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. [16] The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned. [17] Because of this, our heart is sick; because of these, our eyes grow dim: [18] because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate and has jackals prowling in it. [19] You, LORD, are enthroned forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. [20] Why do you continually forget us, abandon us for our entire lives? [21] LORD, bring us back to yourself, so we may return; renew our days as in former times, [22] unless you have completely rejected us and are intensely angry with us.
