Lamentations 1

(1) Judah is Destroyed

The city that was once so full of people now sits desolate like a widow in the midst of powerful nations. She used to be a princess in that region of the world, but now she’s a slave. She cries all through the night with tears running down her cheeks without anyone to comfort her—even though she used to have numerous lovers. All her companions have now betrayed her and become her enemies. Judah [which means “praised”] has been stripped naked by her affliction and enslavement. She lives among the other countries but has nowhere to stay. Everyone who used to chase her down has now caught up to her in her distress.

(4) Jerusalem is Devastated

Jerusalem’s roads mourn because no one goes to the special places anymore. All her gates remain desolate as her priests groan, and her young women grieve. She herself is full of bitterness, and her enemies have become her rulers. Her enemies prosper because the Existing One has brought her grief for all her defiance. Her oppressor has taken away her children to be captives. Jerusalem used to have splendor, but that has been drained from her daughter. Her princes became like deer without a field, powerlessly running away as their persecutors watched. Now that she’s homeless, she remembers all the prized possessions she used to have before her people fell into the hands of her enemy and no one came to help. When her enemies saw her, they mocked her for being so annihilated.

(8) Jerusalem has Fallen

Jerusalem took a wrong turn, which is how she ended up so defiled. Everyone who used to honor her now feels repulsed by her after seeing her indecency. Even she herself moans and looks away from her own reflection. Her filth can be seen on her skirt, and she never gave much thought to her future. It’s astonishing to think about how far she has fallen—and she doesn’t have anyone to comfort her. Oh Existing One, look at how miserable I am as my enemy has grown in power.

(10) Enemies Ransacked Jerusalem

The enemy’s hand extends over all of Jerusalem’s valuables, since those other countries entered her sanctuary after You had prohibited them from joining Your group. Now all of Jerusalem’s people are groaning in search of food. They’ve exchanged their valuables for food just to give their souls some restoration. See how worthless I am, Existing One?

(12) God Caused Israel’s Pain

Is this not a big deal to everyone passing by? Look around, and see if you’ve ever seen such pain as severe as mine. The Existing One inflicted it on the day of his burning anger. He sent fire from above into my bones, and it consumed them. He set a trap for my feet. He turned His back to me and deserted me to be weakened all day long. The shackles of my crimes are fastened, and the Existing One put them on me with His own hands. They’re fastened to my neck, and He made my strength flicker. The Commander has handed me over to people I can’t stand up against and tossed my strongest men aside as I stood there watching. He appointed a specific time to destroy my young men. The Commander has stepped all over Judah’s virgin daughter like grapes in a winepress.

(16) Israel’s Kids are Dead & has No One to Comfort Her

That’s why I’m crying. Tears run down my face, because I don’t have anyone left to comfort me and my soul. My children have been ravished, because the enemy has prevailed. Jerusalem spreads out her arms, but there isn’t anyone there to hug her. The Existing One predicted that Jacob’s neighbors would become his enemies, and now they all view Jerusalem as scum.

(18) Learn from Israel’s Mistake

The Existing One is righteous—I know because I’ve fought against His words. Now everyone else should listen and consider my pain. My young men and women have gone into captivity. I called to my lovers, but they tricked me. My priests and elders died in town while they were looking for food to restore themselves. See how distressed I am, Existing One? I’m sick to my stomach, and my mind has been turned upside down because of my rebellion. In foreign countries, the sword cuts off families from multiplying, but here at home, it’s like death. Everyone can hear my groans, but there isn’t anyone to comfort me. All my enemies have heard about my misery, and they’re glad that You brought it about. I can’t wait for You to bring about the day You mentioned where they’ll find themselves in my shoes. Bring all their evil to your attention, and deal with them the same way you’ve dealt with me for my rebellion. I can’t stop groaning, and my heart is weak.