1. Jerusalem, once so crowded,lies deserted and lonely.This city that was knownall over the worldis now like a widow.This queen of the nationshas been made a slave.
2. Each night, bitter tearsflood her cheeks.None of her former loversare there to offer comfort;her friends have betrayed herand are now her enemies.
3. The people of Judah are slaves,suffering in a foreign land,with no rest from sorrow.Their enemies captured themand were terribly cruel.
4. The roads to Zion mournbecause no one travels thereto celebrate the festivals.The city gates are deserted;priests are weeping.Young women are raped;Zion is in sorrow!
5. Enemies now rule the cityand live as they please.The Lord has punished Jerusalembecause of her awful sins;he has let her peoplebe dragged away.
6. Zion's glory has disappeared.Her leaders are like deerthat cannot find pasture;they are hunted downtill their strength is gone.
7. Her people recall the good lifethat once was theirs;now they sufferand are scattered.No one was there to protect themfrom their enemies who sneeredwhen their city was taken.
8. Jerusalem's horrible sinshave made the city a joke.Those who once admired hernow hate her instead—she has been disgraced;she groans and turns away.