[1] Remember, O LORD, what has befallen us; Look, and see our reproach! [2] Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, Our houses to aliens. [3] We have become orphans without a father, Our mothers are like widows. [4] We have to pay for our drinking water, Our wood comes to us at a price. [5] Our pursuers are at our necks; We are worn out, there is no rest for us. [6] We have submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread. [7] Our fathers sinned, and are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities. [8] Slaves rule over us; There is no one to deliver us from their hand. [9] We get our bread at the risk of our lives Because of the sword in the wilderness. [10] Our skin has become as hot as an oven, Because of the burning heat of famine. [11] They ravished the women in Zion, The virgins in the cities of Judah. [12] Princes were hung by their hands; Elders were not respected. [13] Young men worked at the grinding mill, And youths stumbled under loads of wood. [14] Elders are gone from the gate, Young men from their music. [15] The joy of our hearts has ceased; Our dancing has been turned into mourning. [16] The crown has fallen from our head; Woe to us, for we have sinned! [17] Because of this our heart is faint, Because of these things our eyes are dim; [18] Because of Mount Zion which lies desolate, Foxes prowl in it. [19] You, O LORD, rule forever; Your throne is from generation to generation. [20] Why do You forget us forever? Why do You forsake us so long? [21] Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored; Renew our days as of old, [22] Unless You have utterly rejected us And are exceedingly angry with us.
