6. My nation was punished worsethan the people of Sodom,whose city was destroyedin a flash without the helpof human hands.
7. The leaders of Jerusalemwere purer than snowand whiter than milk;their bodies were healthyand glowed like jewels.
8. Now they are blacker than tar,and no one recognizes them;their skin clings to their bonesand is drier than firewood.
9. Being killed with a swordis better than slowlystarving to death.
10. Life in the city is so badthat loving mothers have boiledand eaten their own children.
11. The Lord was so fiercely angrythat he burnt the city of Zionto the ground.
12. Not a king on this earthor the people of any nationbelieved enemies could breakthrough her gates.
13. Jerusalem was punished becauseher prophets and her priestshad sinned and caused the deathof innocent victims.