[1] Remember, LORD, what happened to us. Look and see our disgrace. [2] Our land has been turned over to strangers; our houses have been given to foreigners. [3] We are like orphans with no father; our mothers are like widows. [4] We have to buy the water we drink; we must pay for the firewood. [5] Those who chase after us want to catch us by the neck. We are tired and find no rest. [6] We made an agreement with Egypt and with Assyria to get enough food. [7] Our ancestors sinned against you, but they are gone; now we suffer because of their sins. [8] Slaves have become our rulers, and no one can save us from them. [9] We risk our lives to get our food; we face death in the desert. [10] Our skin is hot like an oven; we burn with starvation. [11] The enemy abused the women of Jerusalem and the girls in the cities of Judah. [12] Princes were hung by the hands; they did not respect our elders. [13] The young men ground grain at the mill, and boys stumbled under loads of wood. [14] The elders no longer sit at the city gates; the young men no longer sing. [15] We have no more joy in our hearts; our dancing has turned to sadness. [16] The crown has fallen from our head. How terrible it is because we sinned. [17] Because of this we are afraid, and now our eyes are dim. [18] Mount Zion is empty, and wild dogs wander around it. [19] But you rule forever, LORD. You will be King from now on. [20] Why have you forgotten us for so long? Have you left us forever? [21] Bring us back to you, LORD, and we will return. Make our days as they were before, [22] or have you completely rejected us? Are you so angry with us?
