[1] LORD, think about what has happened to us. Look at the shame our enemies have brought on us. [2] The land you gave us has been turned over to outsiders. Our homes have been given to strangers. [3] Our fathers have been killed. Our mothers don’t have husbands. [4] We have to buy the water we drink. We have to pay for the wood we use. [5] Those who chase us are right behind us. We’re tired and can’t get any rest. [6] We put ourselves under the control of Egypt and Assyria just to get enough bread. [7] Our people of long ago sinned. And they are now dead. We are being punished because of their sins. [8] Slaves rule over us. No one can set us free from their power. [9] We put our lives in danger just to get some bread to eat. Robbers in the desert might kill us with their swords. [10] Our skin is as hot as an oven. We are so hungry we’re burning up with fever. [11] Our women have been treated badly in Zion. Our virgins have been treated badly in the towns of Judah. [12] Our princes have been hung up by their hands. No one shows our elders any respect. [13] Our young men are forced to grind grain at the mill. Our boys almost fall down as they carry heavy loads of wood. [14] Our elders don’t go to the city gate anymore. Our young men have stopped playing their music. [15] There isn’t any joy in our hearts. Our dancing has turned into mourning. [16] All of our honor is gone. How terrible it is for us because we have sinned! [17] So our hearts are weak. Our eyes can’t see very clearly. [18] Mount Zion has been deserted. Wild dogs are prowling all around on it. [19] LORD, you rule forever. Your throne will last for all time to come. [20] Why do you always forget us? Why have you deserted us for so long? [21] LORD, please bring us back to you. Then we can return. Make our lives like new again. [22] Or have you completely turned away from us? Are you really that angry with us?
