16. I weep because of these things; my eyes flow with tears.For there is no one in sight who can comfort me or encourage me. My children are desolatedbecause an enemy has prevailed.פ (Pe)
17. Zion spread out her hands,but there is no one to comfort her.The Lord has issued a decree against Jacob; his neighbors have become his enemies.Jerusalem has becomelike filthy garbage in their midst.צ (Tsade)
18. The Lord is right to judge me! Yes, I rebelled against his commands.Please listen, all you nations, and look at my suffering!My young women and menhave gone into exile.ק (Qof)
19. I called for my lovers, but they had deceived me.My priests and my elders perished in the city.Truly they had searched for food to keep themselves alive.ר (Resh)
20. Look, O Lord! I am distressed;my stomach is in knots!My heart is pounding inside me. Yes, I was terribly rebellious!Out in the street the sword bereaves a mother of her children;Inside the house death is present.ש (Sin/Shin)
21. They have heard that I groan,yet there is no one to comfort me.All my enemies have heard of my trouble;they are glad that you have brought it about.Bring about the day of judgment that you promised so that they may end up like me!ת (Tav)
22. Let all their wickedness come before you;afflict themjust as you have afflicted me because of all my acts of rebellion.For my groans are many,and my heart is sick with sorrow.