1. Jerusalem once was full of people.But now the city is empty.Jerusalem once was a great city among the nations.But now she has become like a widow.She was like a queen of all the other cities.But now she is a slave.
2. She cries loudly at night.Tears are on her cheeks.There is no one to comfort her.All her lovers are gone.All her friends have turned against her.They have become her enemies.
3. Judah has gone into captivity.She has suffered and worked hard.She lives among other nations.But she has found no rest.Those who chased her caught her.They caught her when she was in trouble.
4. The roads to Jerusalem are sad.No one comes to Jerusalem for the feasts.No one passes through her gates.And her priests groan.Her young women are suffering.And Jerusalem suffers terribly.
5. Her enemies have become her masters.Her enemies enjoy the wealth they have won.The Lord is punishing herfor her many sins.Her children have gone away.They are captives of the enemy in a foreign land.
6. The beauty of Jerusalemhas gone away.Her rulers are like deerthat cannot find food.They are weak and have run awayfrom those who chased them.
7. Jerusalem is suffering and homeless.She remembers all the precious thingsshe had in the past.She remembers when her people were defeated by the enemy.There was no one to help her.When her enemies saw her,they laughed to see her ruined.
8. Jerusalem sinned terribly.So she has become unclean.Those who honored her hate her nowbecause they have seen her nakedness.Jerusalem groansand turns away.
9. Jerusalem made herself unclean by her sins.She did not think about what would happen to her.Her defeat was surprising.There was no one to comfort her.She says, “Lord, see how I suffer.The enemy has won.”
10. The enemy reached out and tookall her precious things.She even saw foreignersenter her Temple.Lord, you had commandedthat they should not enter the meeting of your people.
11. All of Jerusalem’s people are groaning.They are looking for bread.They are giving away their precious things for foodso they can stay alive.The city says, “Look, Lord, and see.I am hated.”