9. Jerusalem’s gates have fallen to the ground;he destroyed and smashed the bars of the gates.Her king and her princes are among the nations.The teaching of the Lord has stopped,and the prophets do not havevisions from the Lord.
10. The elders of Jerusalemsit on the ground in silence.They throw dust on their headsand put on rough cloth to show their sadness.The young women of Jerusalembow their heads to the ground in sorrow.
11. My eyes have no more tears,and I am sick to my stomach.I feel empty inside,because my people have been destroyed.Children and babies are faintingin the streets of the city.
12. They ask their mothers,“Where is the grain and wine?”They faint like wounded soldiersin the streets of the cityand die in their mothers’ arms.
13. What can I say about you, Jerusalem?What can I compare you to?What can I say you are like?How can I comfort you, Jerusalem?Your ruin is as deep as the sea.No one can heal you.
14. Your prophets saw visions,but they were false and worth nothing.They did not point out your sinsto keep you from being captured.They preached what was falseand led you wrongly.
15. All who pass by on the roadclap their hands at you;they make fun of Jerusalemand shake their heads.They ask, “Is this the city that people calledthe most beautiful city,the happiest place on earth?”
16. All your enemies open their mouthsto speak against you.They make fun and grind their teeth in anger.They say, “We have swallowed you up.This is the day we were waiting for!We have finally seen it happen.”
17. The Lord has done what he planned;he has kept his wordthat he commanded long ago.He has destroyed without mercy,and he has let your enemies laugh at you.He has strengthened your enemies.
18. The people cry out to the Lord.Wall of Jerusalem,let your tears flowlike a river day and night.Do not stopor let your eyes rest.
19. Get up, cry out in the night,even as the night begins.Pour out your heart like waterin prayer to the Lord.Lift up your hands in prayer to himfor the life of your childrenwho are fainting with hungeron every street corner.