[1] LORD, consider what has become of us; take notice of our disgrace. Look at it! [2] Our property has been turned over to strangers; our houses belong to foreigners. [3] We have become orphans, having no father; our mothers are like widows. [4] We drink our own water—but for a price; we gather our own wood—but pay for it. [5] Our hunters have been at our necks; we are worn out, but have no rest. [6] We held out a hand to Egypt and to Assyria, to get sufficient food. [7] Our fathers have sinned and are gone, but we are burdened with their iniquities. [8] Slaves rule over us; there is no one to rescue us from their power. [9] We get our bread at the risk of our lives because of the desert heat. [10] Our skin is as hot as an oven because of the burning heat of famine. [11] Women have been raped in Zion, young women in Judah’s cities. [12] Officials have been hung up by their hands; elders have been shown no respect. [13] Young men have carried grinding stones; boys have stumbled under loads of wood. [14] Elders have left the city gate; young people stop their music. [15] Joy has left our heart; our dancing has changed into lamentation. [16] The crown has fallen off our head. We are doomed because we have sinned. [17] Because of all this our heart is sick; because of these things our glance is dark. [18] Mount Zion, now deserted—only jackals walk on it now! [19] But you, LORD, will rule forever; your throne lasts from one generation to the next. [20] Why do you forget us continually; why do you abandon us for such a long time? [21] Return us, LORD, to yourself. Please let us return! Give us new days, like those long ago— [22] unless you have completely rejected us, or have become too angry with us.
