17. Zion reaches out her hands,but no one offers comfort.The Lord has turnedthe neighbouring nationsagainst Jacob's descendants.Jerusalem is merely a filthy ragto her neighbours.
18. The Lord was right,but I refused to obey him.Now I ask all of you to lookat my sufferings—even my young peoplehave been dragged away.
19. I called out to my lovers,but they betrayed me.My priests and my leaders diedwhile searching the cityfor scraps of food.
20. Won't you look and seehow upset I am, our Lord?My stomach is in knots,and my heart is brokenbecause I betrayed you.In the streets and at home,my people are slaughtered.
21. Everyone heard my groaning,but no one offered comfort.My enemies know of the troublethat you have brought on me,and it makes them glad.Hurry and punish them,as you have promised.
22. Don't let their evil deedsescape your sight.Punish them as muchas you have punished mebecause of my sins.I never stop groaning—I've lost all hope!