Lamentations 5

(1) Israel has Been Disgraced

Oh Existing One, remember what happened to us. See how full of disgrace we are? Our possessions have been handed over to strangers, and our houses to foreigners. We became orphans without a father—our mothers are like widows. We have to pay people just to get drinking water, and our wood comes at a price. The people who chase us down are breathing down our necks. We slave away without any rest. We had to forfeit our power to Egypt and Syria just to get some food. Our parents went down the wrong path, but now that they’re gone, we’re the ones stuck with the consequences of their choices. Even servants have authority over us, and nothing can free us from their power. We have to risk our lives just to get food, because there’s so much danger out there. Our skin has become as hot as an oven because the heat of starvation burns us. Our enemies ravished Jerusalem’s women and Judah’s young women. Leaders were hung by their hands, and the elderly were disrespected. Young men worked at the food-processing facility, while teenagers stumble under loads of wood. The elderly have disappeared from the town square, and young men from their music. Happiness has disappeared from our hearts, and our dancing has turned into mourning. The crown has fallen off our head. What a tragedy this is…all because we took the wrong path. Doing that weakened our hearts and clouded our vision. Mount Jerusalem has now become a wasteland where foxes* prowl.

(19) Israel Begs God to Restore Them

Oh Existing One, You sit on your throne forever throughout the ages. Why are you ignoring us indefinitely? Why do you neglect us all the time? Bring us back to You, so we can be restored. Renew the former times—unless You are completely rejecting us and are unwaveringly furious at us. 


*Jesus compared Himself to a fox without a home

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1 Peter 1

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Lamentations 4