16. “I cry about these things.My eyes overflow with tears.There is no one near to comfort me.There is no one who can give me strength again.My children are left sad and lonelybecause the enemy has won.”
17. Jerusalem reaches out her hands,but there is no one to comfort her.The Lord has commanded for the people of Jacobthat their enemies surround them.Jerusalem has become uncleanlike those around her.
18. Jerusalem says, “The Lord is right.But I refused to obey him.Listen, all you people.Look at my pain.My young women and menhave gone into captivity.
19. “I called out to my friends,but they turned against me.My priests and my eldershave died in the city.They were looking for foodso they could stay alive.
20. “Look at me, Lord. I am upset.I am troubled.My heart is troubledbecause I have been so stubborn.Out in the streets, the sword kills.Inside the houses, death destroys.
21. “People have heard my groaning.There is no one to comfort me.All my enemies have heard of my trouble.They are happy that you have done this to me.Now bring that day you have announced.Let my enemies be like me.
22. “Look at all their evil.Do to them what you have done to mebecause of all my sins.I groan over and over again,and I am afraid.”