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.
14. Yes, her prophets and priestswere covered with blood;no one would come near them,as they wanderedfrom street to street.
15. Instead, everyone shouted,“Go away! Don't touch us!You're filthy and unfitto belong to God's people!”So they had to leaveand become refugees.But foreign nations told them,“You can't stay here!”
16. The Lord is the onewho sent them scattering,and he has forgotten them.No respect or kindnesswill be shownto the priests or leaders.