\id LAM - Christian Standard Bible® in English
\ide UTF-8
\rem Copyright © 2017-2020 by Holman Bible Publishers
\rem Language: English
\rem Text update February 2024
\toc3 Lm
\toc2 Lamentations
\toc1 Lamentations
\mt Lamentations
\c 1
\s1 Lament over Jerusalem
\s2 \qac א\qac* \tl Aleph\tl*
\q1
\v 1 How~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft The stanzas in Lm 1–4 form an acrostic.\f* she sits~alone,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Lm 3:28\+xt*\f*
\q the city~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Lm 1:17\+xt*\f* once crowded with~people!
\q She who was~great among~the~nations
\q has become like~a~widow.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt Ex 22:22; Dt 10:18; 24:19–21; Is 1:17; 47:8–9\+xt*\f*
\q The princess among~the~provinces
\q has been put~to forced~labor.
\s2 \qac ב\qac* \tl Beth\tl*
\q1
\v 2 She weeps bitterly during~the~night,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Ps 6:6\+xt*\f*
\q with tears on~her~cheeks.
\q There is no one to~offer her~comfort,
\q not one from all~her~lovers.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft = Jerusalem’s political allies\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Jr 3:1; 22:20–22\+xt*\f*
\q All her friends have~betrayed~her;
\q they have~become her~enemies.
\s2 \qac ג\qac* \tl Gimel\tl*
\q1
\v 3 Judah has gone into~exile
\q following~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft Or \fqa because of\f* affliction and~harsh~slavery;
\q she lives among~the~nations
\q but finds no~place to~rest.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft \+xt Dt 28:65; Ps 116:7\+xt*\f*
\q All her pursuers have~overtaken~her
\q in narrow places.
\s2 \qac ד\qac* \tl Daleth\tl*
\q1
\v 4 The roads to Zion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt 2Sm 5:7; Ps 20:2; Jr 51:35\+xt*\f*~mourn,
\q for no one comes to~the~appointed~festivals.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Dt 16:16; 2Ch 8:13; Ps 84:5; Is 1:11–17\+xt*\f*
\q All her gates are~deserted;
\q her priests~groan,
\q her young women~grieve,
\q and she herself is~bitter.
\s2 \qac ה\qac* \tl He\tl*
\q1
\v 5 Her adversaries have~become her~masters;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Dt 28:13,44\+xt*\f*
\q her enemies are at~ease,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Jb 3:26; 12:6; Jr 12:1\+xt*\f*
\q for the \nd Lord\nd* has~made her~suffer
\q because of her many~transgressions.
\q Her children have~gone~away
\q as captives before~the~adversary.
\s2 \qac ו\qac* \tl Waw\tl*
\q1
\v 6 All the splendor~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Ezk 27:10\+xt*\f* has~vanished
\q from Daughter Zion.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Lm 2:1,4,8; 4:22\+xt*\f*
\q Her leaders are like~stags
\q that find no~pasture;
\q they stumble away~exhausted
\q before the hunter.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Jr 39:4–7\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ז\qac* \tl Zayin\tl*
\q1
\v 7 During the days of~her~affliction and~homelessness~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Is 58:7; Lm 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q Jerusalem remembers all her~precious~belongings
\q that were hers in~days of~old.
\q When her people fell into~the~adversary’s~hand,
\q she had no one to~help.
\q The adversaries looked at~her,
\q laughing over her~downfall.
\s2 \qac ח\qac* \tl Cheth\tl*
\q1
\v 8 Jerusalem has sinned~grievously;
\q therefore, she has become an~object of~scorn.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft Or \fqa become impure\f*
\q All who honored her now~despise~her,
\q for they have seen her~nakedness.
\q She herself groans and~turns~away.
\s2 \qac ט\qac* \tl Teth\tl*
\q1
\v 9 Her uncleanness stains her~skirts.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt Jr 13:22,26; Nah 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q She never considered her~end.
\q Her downfall was~astonishing;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt Dt 28:43\+xt*\f*
\q there was no one to~comfort~her.
\q \nd Lord\nd*, look on my~affliction,
\q for the enemy boasts.
\s2 \qac י\qac* \tl Yod\tl*
\q1
\v 10 The adversary has~seized
\q all her~precious~belongings.
\q She has even seen the~nations
\q enter her sanctuary~—
\q those you had~forbidden
\q to enter your~assembly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:10 \ft \+xt Dt 23:3; Neh 13:1–3; Ezk 44:9\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac כ\qac* \tl Kaph\tl*
\q1
\v 11 All her people~groan
\q while they search for~bread.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:11 \ft \+xt Jr 38:9; 52:6\+xt*\f*
\q They have traded their~precious~belongings for~food
\q in order to stay~alive.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:11 \ft \+xt Lm 1:19; 2:20; 4:10\+xt*\f*
\q \nd Lord\nd*, look and~see
\q how I have become~despised.
\s2 \qac ל\qac* \tl Lamed\tl*
\q1
\v 12 Is this nothing to~you, all~you who~pass~by?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft \+xt Ps 89:41; Jr 22:8\+xt*\f*
\q Look and see!
\q Is there any~pain like~mine,
\q which was dealt out to~me,
\q which the \nd Lord\nd* made~me~suffer
\q on the day of his burning~anger?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft \+xt Am 5:18\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac מ\qac* \tl Mem\tl*
\q1
\v 13 He sent fire from~on high~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Gn 19:24; Hs 8:14; Am 1:4–2:5\+xt*\f* into~my~bones;
\q he made it descend.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft DSS, LXX; MT reads \fqa bones, and it prevailed against them\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt 1Kg 18:38; 2Kg 1:10,12; Jb 30:30; Jr 20:9\+xt*\f*
\q He spread a~net for~my~feet~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Ps 35:7; Is 51:20; Ezk 12:13; Hs 7:12\+xt*\f*
\q and turned me~back.
\q He made me desolate,
\q sick all~day~long.
\s2 \qac נ\qac* \tl Nun\tl*
\q1
\v 14 My transgressions have~been~formed into~a~yoke,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX read \fqa He kept watch over my transgressions\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft Or \fqa The yoke of my transgressions is bound\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft \+xt Gn 27:40; Lv 26:13; Dt 28:48; 2Ch 10:3–11; Is 9:4; Jr 27:2,6–11\+xt*\f*
\q fastened together by~his~hand;
\q they have been placed on~my~neck,
\q and the Lord has~broken my~strength.
\q He has handed~me~over
\q to those I cannot withstand.
\s2 \qac ס\qac* \tl Samek\tl*
\q1
\v 15 The Lord has~rejected~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Ps 119:118\+xt*\f*
\q all the mighty men within~me.
\q He has summoned an~army~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft Or \fqa has announced an appointed time\f* against~me
\q to crush my~young~warriors.
\q The Lord has trampled Virgin~Daughter~Judah~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Lm 2:2,5\+xt*\f*
\q like grapes in~a~winepress.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Is 63:1–6; Jl 3:12–15; Rv 14:17–20; 19:15\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ע\qac* \tl Ayin\tl*
\q1
\v 16 I weep because of these~things;
\q my eyes flow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft Lit \fqa my eye, my eye flows\f* with~tears.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt Jr 9:1,18; Lm 2:11,18; 3:48–49\+xt*\f*
\q For there is no one nearby to~comfort~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt Is 40:1\+xt*\f*
\q no one to keep me~alive.
\q My children are~desolate
\q because the enemy has~prevailed.
\s2 \qac פ\qac* \tl Pe\tl*
\q1
\v 17 Zion stretches out her~hands;
\q there is no one to~comfort~her.
\q The \nd Lord\nd* has issued a~decree against~Jacob
\q that his neighbors should~be his~adversaries.
\q Jerusalem has~become
\q something impure~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft \+xt Lv 15:19–20; Ezk 7:19–20; 18:6\+xt*\f* among~them.
\s2 \qac צ\qac* \tl Tsade\tl*
\q1
\v 18 The \nd Lord\nd* is~just,
\q for I have rebelled against~his~command.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:18 \ft \+xt Neh 9:33\+xt*\f*
\q Listen, all you~people;
\q look at my~pain.
\q My young women and~young~men
\q have gone into~captivity.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:18 \ft \+xt Dt 28:41; 2Ch 29:9; Ezr 9:7; Jr 48:46\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ק\qac* \tl Qoph\tl*
\q1
\v 19 I called to~my~lovers,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:19 \ft \+xt Lm 1:2\+xt*\f*
\q but they betrayed~me.
\q My priests and~elders
\q perished in~the~city
\q while searching for~food
\q to keep themselves alive.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:19 \ft \+xt Lm 1:11\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ר\qac* \tl Resh\tl*
\q1
\v 20 \nd Lord\nd*, see how I~am in~distress.
\q I am churning~within;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:20 \ft \+xt Jb 30:27\+xt*\f*
\q my heart is~broken,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:20 \ft Lit \fqa is turned within me\f*
\q for I have been very~rebellious.
\q Outside, the sword takes the~children;
\q inside, there is~death.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:20 \ft \+xt Dt 32:25; Ezk 7:15\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac שׁ\qac* \tl Shin\tl*
\q1
\v 21 People have heard me~groaning,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:21 \ft \+xt Lm 1:4,8\+xt*\f*
\q but there is no one to~comfort~me.
\q All my enemies have~heard of~my~misfortune;
\q they are glad that you~have~caused~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:21 \ft \+xt Lm 2:15–17\+xt*\f*
\q Bring on the day you~have~announced,
\q so that they may~become like~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:21 \ft \+xt Is 62:8–63:6; Ezk 38–39; Jl 3:1–3; Mc 7:8–13; Zch 14:1–9\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ת\qac* \tl Taw\tl*
\q1
\v 22 Let all their wickedness come before~you,
\q and deal with~them
\q as you have dealt with~me
\q because of all my~transgressions.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:22 \ft \+xt Lm 4:21–22\+xt*\f*
\q For my groans are~many,
\q and I am sick at~heart.
\c 2
\s1 Judgment on Jerusalem
\s2 \qac א\qac* \tl Aleph\tl*
\q1
\v 1 How the Lord has~overshadowed
\q Daughter Zion with~his~anger!
\q He has thrown down Israel’s~glory
\q from heaven to~earth.
\q He did not acknowledge his~footstool~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft \+xt 1Ch 28:2; Ps 99:5; 132:7\+xt*\f*
\q in the day of~his~anger.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft \+xt Jb 20:28; Ps 110:5; Zph 2:2–3\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ב\qac* \tl Beth\tl*
\q1
\v 2 Without compassion~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Jb 16:13; Lm 3:43; Ezk 8:18\+xt*\f* the~Lord has~swallowed~up
\q all the dwellings of~Jacob.
\q In his wrath he~has~demolished
\q the fortified cities~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Is 2:12,15\+xt*\f* of~Daughter~Judah.
\q He brought them to~the~ground
\q and defiled the kingdom and~its~leaders.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:2 \ft \+xt Ps 89:39; Is 43:28; 47:6\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ג\qac* \tl Gimel\tl*
\q1
\v 3 He has cut off every~horn~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Ps 75:5,10; Jr 48:25\+xt*\f* of~Israel
\q in his burning~anger
\q and withdrawn his~right~hand~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Ex 6:6; Dt 4:34\+xt*\f*
\q in the presence of~the~enemy.
\q He has blazed against Jacob like~a~flaming~fire
\q that consumes everything.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft \+xt Dt 4:24; Heb 12:29\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ד\qac* \tl Daleth\tl*
\q1
\v 4 He has strung his bow like~an~enemy;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Ps 7:12; Lm 3:12\+xt*\f*
\q his right hand is~positioned like~an~adversary.
\q He has killed everyone who~was~the delight to the eye,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt 1Kg 20:6; Ezk 24:16,21,25\+xt*\f*
\q pouring out his~wrath like~fire
\q on the tent of~Daughter~Zion.
\s2 \qac ה\qac* \tl He\tl*
\q1
\v 5 The Lord is like~an~enemy;
\q he has swallowed~up~Israel.
\q He swallowed up all~its~palaces
\q and destroyed its~fortified~cities.
\q He has multiplied mourning and~lamentation
\q within Daughter~Judah.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:5 \ft \+xt Is 29:2\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ו\qac* \tl Waw\tl*
\q1
\v 6 He has wrecked his~temple~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft Lit \fqa booth\f*
\q as if it were merely a shack in a field,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft Lit \fqa it were a garden\f*
\q destroying his place of~meeting.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Ps 74:4\+xt*\f*
\q The \nd Lord\nd* has~abolished
\q appointed festivals and~Sabbaths in~Zion.
\q He has despised king and~priest
\q in his fierce anger.
\s2 \qac ז\qac* \tl Zayin\tl*
\q1
\v 7 The Lord has rejected his~altar,
\q repudiated his~sanctuary;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft \+xt Ps 89:39\+xt*\f*
\q he has handed the~walls of~her~palaces
\q over to the enemy.
\q They have raised a~shout in~the~house of~the~\nd Lord\nd*
\q as on the day of~an~appointed~festival.
\s2 \qac ח\qac* \tl Cheth\tl*
\q1
\v 8 The \nd Lord\nd* determined to~destroy
\q the wall of Daughter Zion.
\q He stretched out a~measuring~line~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt 2Kg 21:13; Is 28:17; 34:11,17\+xt*\f*
\q and did not restrain himself from~destroying.
\q He made the ramparts and~walls~grieve;
\q together they waste~away.
\s2 \qac ט\qac* \tl Teth\tl*
\q1
\v 9 Zion’s gates have~fallen to~the~ground;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft \+xt Neh 1:3; Jr 14:2\+xt*\f*
\q he has destroyed and~shattered the~bars on~her~gates.
\q Her king and her leaders live among~the~nations,
\q instruction~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft Or \fqa the law\f* is no~more,
\q and even her prophets~receive
\q no vision from~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft \+xt Ezk 7:26; Mc 3:6\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac י\qac* \tl Yod\tl*
\q1
\v 10 The elders of Daughter~Zion
\q sit on the ground in~silence.
\q They have thrown dust on~their~heads~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Gn 37:34; Jos 7:6; Neh 9:1; Jb 2:12–13; Ezk 27:30\+xt*\f*
\q and put on sackcloth.
\q The young women of~Jerusalem
\q have bowed their~heads to~the~ground.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Jb 10:15; Is 58:5\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac כ\qac* \tl Kaph\tl*
\q1
\v 11 My eyes are worn~out from~weeping;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Ps 69:3; Jr 9:1; 14:17; Lm 3:48–49\+xt*\f*
\q I am churning within.
\q My heart is~poured~out in~grief~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft Lit \fqa My liver is poured out on the ground\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Ps 22:14; Jr 4:19\+xt*\f*
\q because of the destruction of~my~dear~people,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Lm 3:48\+xt*\f*
\q because infants and~nursing babies~faint
\q in the streets of~the~city.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:11 \ft \+xt Jr 44:7\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ל\qac* \tl Lamed\tl*
\q1
\v 12 They cry out to~their~mothers,
\q “Where is the grain and~wine?~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft \+xt Dt 28:51; Hs 2:8–9; 7:14\+xt*\f*
\q as they faint like~the~wounded
\q in the streets of~the~city,
\q as their life pours out
\q in the arms of~their~mothers.
\s2 \qac מ\qac* \tl Mem\tl*
\q1
\v 13 What can I say on~your~behalf?
\q What can I compare you to, Daughter~Jerusalem?
\q What can I liken you~to,
\q so that I may console~you, Virgin~Daughter~Zion?
\q For your ruin is as~vast as~the~sea.
\q Who can heal you?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Nah 3:19\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac נ\qac* \tl Nun\tl*
\q1
\v 14 Your prophets saw~visions for~you
\q that were empty and~deceptive;~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft Or \fqa insipid\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Jr 5:12–13; 23:9–40; 28:1–4; 29:29–32; Ezk 13:8–16\+xt*\f*
\q they did not reveal your~iniquity
\q and so restore your~fortunes.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Dt 30:1–3; Jr 29:11–14; 30:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q They saw pronouncements for~you
\q that were empty and~misleading.
\s2 \qac ס\qac* \tl Samek\tl*
\q1
\v 15 All who pass by
\q scornfully clap their~hands~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Nm 24:10; Ezk 25:6\+xt*\f* at~you.
\q They hiss~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt 1Kg 9:8; Jr 19:8\+xt*\f* and~shake their~heads~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Ps 22:7; 109:25; Mk 15:29\+xt*\f*
\q at Daughter Jerusalem:
\q Is this the city that~was~called
\q the perfection of~beauty,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Ps 50:2\+xt*\f*
\q the joy of the~whole~earth?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Ps 48:2\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac פ\qac* \tl Pe\tl*
\q1
\v 16 All your enemies
\q open their mouths against~you.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt Dt 28:37; Jb 16:10; Ps 22:13; Lm 3:46\+xt*\f*
\q They hiss and gnash their~teeth,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt Jb 16:9; Ps 35:16; 37:12\+xt*\f*
\q saying, “We have~swallowed her~up.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt Lm 2:2,5,8\+xt*\f*
\q This is the day we~have~waited~for!
\q We have lived to~see~it.”
\s2 \qac ע\qac* \tl Ayin\tl*
\q1
\v 17 The \nd Lord\nd* has done what~he~planned;
\q he has accomplished his~decree,
\q which he ordained in~days of~old.
\q He has demolished without~compassion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft \+xt Lm 2:2,21; 3:43; Ezk 7:8–9\+xt*\f*
\q letting the enemy gloat over~you
\q and exalting the horn of~your~adversaries.
\s2 \qac צ\qac* \tl Tsade\tl*
\q1
\v 18 The hearts of the people cry~out to~the~Lord.
\q Wall of Daughter~Zion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:18 \ft \+xt Lm 2:8\+xt*\f*
\q let your tears run~down like~a~river
\q day and night.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:18 \ft \+xt Jr 4:31; 14:17\+xt*\f*
\q Give yourself no~relief
\q and your~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:18 \ft Lit \fqa and the daughter of your\f* eyes no~rest.
\s2 \qac ק\qac* \tl Qoph\tl*
\q1
\v 19 Arise, cry out in~the~night
\q from the first watch of~the~night.
\q Pour out your~heart like~water
\q before the Lord’s presence.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:19 \ft \+xt Ps 42:4; 62:8; 77:2; 84:2; 142:2\+xt*\f*
\q Lift up your hands to~him
\q for the lives of~your~children
\q who are fainting from~hunger
\q at the head of~every~street.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:19 \ft \+xt Is 51:20\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ר\qac* \tl Resh\tl*
\q1
\v 20 \nd Lord\nd*, look and~consider
\q to whom you have done this.
\q Should women eat their~own~children,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:20 \ft \+xt Lv 26:27–29; Dt 28:53–57; 2Kg 6:24–31; Jr 19:9; Lm 4:10\+xt*\f*
\q the infants they have~nurtured?~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:20 \ft Or \fqa infants in a healthy condition\ft ; Hb obscure\f*
\q Should priests and~prophets
\q be killed in~the~Lord’s~sanctuary?
\s2 \qac שׁ\qac* \tl Shin\tl*
\q1
\v 21 Both young and~old
\q are lying on~the~ground in~the~streets.
\q My young women and~young~men
\q have fallen by~the~sword.
\q You have killed them in~the~day of~your~anger,
\q slaughtering without~compassion.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:21 \ft \+xt Lm 2:2,17; 3:43\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ת\qac* \tl Taw\tl*
\q1
\v 22 You summon those who terrorize me~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:22 \ft Or \fqa terrors\f* on~every~side,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:22 \ft \+xt Ps 31:13; Jr 6:25; 20:10\+xt*\f*
\q as if for an~appointed festival~day;
\q on the day of~the~\nd Lord\nd*’s~anger
\q no one escaped or~survived.
\q My enemy has~destroyed
\q those I nurtured~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:22 \ft Or \fqa I bore healthy\ft ; Hb obscure\f* and~reared.
\c 3
\s1 Hope through God’s Mercy
\s2 \qac א\qac* \tl Aleph\tl*
\q1
\v 1 I am the man who~has~seen~affliction
\q under the rod of~God’s~wrath.
\q1
\v 2 He has driven me away and~forced~me to~walk
\q in darkness instead of~light.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:2 \ft \+xt Jb 12:25; Am 5:18,20\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 Yes, he repeatedly turns~his~hand
\q against me all~day~long.
\s2 \qac ב\qac* \tl Beth\tl*
\q1
\v 4 He has worn away my~flesh and~skin;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Jb 13:28; Ps 32:3; 38:3; 49:14; Mc 3:1–3\+xt*\f*
\q he has broken my~bones.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Ps 51:8; Is 38:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 He has laid siege against~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt Jb 19:8,12\+xt*\f*
\q encircling me with~bitterness and~hardship.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt Lm 3:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 He has made me dwell in~darkness
\q like those who have~been~dead for~ages.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:6 \ft \+xt Jb 10:20–22; Ps 88:6; 143:3\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ג\qac* \tl Gimel\tl*
\q1
\v 7 He has walled me in so~I~cannot~get out;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:7 \ft \+xt Jb 19:8\+xt*\f*
\q he has weighed me~down with~chains.
\q1
\v 8 Even when I cry out and~plead for~help,
\q he blocks out my prayer.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Jb 30:20; Ps 22:2; Is 59:2; Lm 3:44\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 He has walled in~my~ways with~blocks of~stone;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:9 \ft \+xt Jb 13:27; 23:12; Is 63:17; Hs 2:6\+xt*\f*
\q he has made my~paths~crooked.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:9 \ft \+xt Jb 19:8; Ps 23:3; Pr 2:15; 3:6,17; 4:11\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ד\qac* \tl Daleth\tl*
\q1
\v 10 He is~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft Lit \fqa is to me\f* a bear waiting in~ambush,
\q a lion in hiding.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft \+xt Hs 13:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 He forced me off my~way and~tore~me to~pieces;
\q he left me desolate.
\q1
\v 12 He strung his bow~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:12 \ft \+xt Ps 7:12; Lm 2:4\+xt*\f*
\q and set me as~the~target for~his~arrow.
\s2 \qac ה\qac* \tl He\tl*
\q1
\v 13 He pierced my~kidneys
\q with shafts from his quiver.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:13 \ft \+xt Jb 16:13; Pr 7:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 I am a laughingstock~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Jb 12:4; Jr 20:7; Lm 1:7\+xt*\f* to~all~my~people,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg; other Hb mss, Syr read \fqa all peoples\f*
\q mocked by their songs~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:14 \ft \+xt Jb 30:9; Ps 69:12\+xt*\f* all~day~long.
\q1
\v 15 He filled me with~bitterness,
\q satiated me with~wormwood.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:15 \ft \+xt Jr 9:15; 23:15\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ו\qac* \tl Waw\tl*
\q1
\v 16 He ground my teeth with~gravel~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:16 \ft \+xt Ps 3:7; 58:6; Pr 20:17\+xt*\f*
\q and made me cower~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:16 \ft Or \fqa and trampled me\f* in~the~dust.
\q1
\v 17 I have been deprived~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:17 \ft Syr, Vg; MT reads \fqa You deprived my soul\f* of~peace;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:17 \ft \+xt Ps 88:15; Lm 3:31\+xt*\f*
\q I have forgotten what~prosperity~is.
\q1
\v 18 Then I thought, “My future~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:18 \ft Or \fqa splendor\f* is~lost,
\q as well as my hope from~the~\nd Lord\nd*.”
\s2 \qac ז\qac* \tl Zayin\tl*
\q1
\v 19 Remember~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:19 \ft Or \fqa I remember\f* my affliction and~my~homelessness,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:19 \ft \+xt Is 58:7; Lm 1:7\+xt*\f*
\q the wormwood and~the~poison.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:19 \ft \+xt Dt 29:18; Jr 9:15; 23:15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 I continually remember~them
\q and have become depressed.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:20 \ft Alt Hb tradition reads \fqa and you cause me to collapse\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:20 \ft \+xt Ps 42:5–6,11; 43:5; 44:25\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 21 Yet I call this to~mind,
\q and therefore I have hope:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:21 \ft \+xt Jb 13:15; Ps 33:22; 71:14; 130:5; Mc 7:7\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ח\qac* \tl Cheth\tl*
\q1
\v 22 Because of the \nd Lord\nd*’s faithful~love~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:22 \ft \+xt Ps 89:1; 103:17; Is 63:7\+xt*\f*
\q we do~not~perish,~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:22 \ft One Hb mss, Syr, Tg read \fqa The \+nd Lord\+nd*’s faithful love, indeed, does not perish\f*
\q for his mercies never~end.
\q1
\v 23 They are new every~morning;
\q great is your faithfulness!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:23 \ft \+xt Ps 36:5; 89:1–8; 100:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 24 I say, “The \nd Lord\nd* is my~portion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:24 \ft \+xt Nm 18:20; Ps 73:26; 142:5; Jr 10:16\+xt*\f*
\q therefore I will put my~hope in~him.”
\s2 \qac ט\qac* \tl Teth\tl*
\q1
\v 25 The \nd Lord\nd* is good to~those who~wait~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:25 \ft \+xt Ps 25:3; Is 40:31; 49:23\+xt*\f* for~him,
\q to the person who~seeks~him.
\q1
\v 26 It is good to~wait~quietly~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:26 \ft \+xt Ps 37:7; 130:5,7; 1Th 5:10; 2Tm 4:8; 2Pt 3:14\+xt*\f*
\q for salvation from~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:26 \ft \+xt Ps 37:39; 119:81; Is 46:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 27 It is good for a man to~bear the~yoke~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:27 \ft \+xt Jr 27:11; Lm 1:14\+xt*\f*
\q while he is still young.
\s2 \qac י\qac* \tl Yod\tl*
\q1
\v 28 Let him sit alone and~be~silent,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:28 \ft \+xt Jr 15:17\+xt*\f*
\q for God has disciplined~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:28 \ft Lit \fqa has laid a burden on\f*~him.
\q1
\v 29 Let him put his~mouth in~the~dust~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:29 \ft \+xt Nm 22:31; Jos 7:6; 1Sm 25:23\+xt*\f*~—
\q perhaps there is still~hope.
\q1
\v 30 Let him offer his~cheek
\q to the one who~would~strike~him;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:30 \ft \+xt Is 50:6; Mt 5:39; Lk 6:29\+xt*\f*
\q let him be filled with~disgrace.
\s2 \qac כ\qac* \tl Kaph\tl*
\q1
\v 31 For the Lord
\q will not reject us~forever.
\q1
\v 32 Even if he causes~suffering,
\q he will show~compassion
\q according to the abundance of his faithful~love.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:32 \ft \+xt Ps 106:43–45; Ac 14:22; 2Co 4:17; Heb 12:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 33 For he does not enjoy bringing~affliction~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:33 \ft \+xt Heb 12:10–11\+xt*\f*
\q or suffering on~mankind.
\s2 \qac ל\qac* \tl Lamed\tl*
\q1
\v 34 Crushing all the prisoners of~the~land~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:34 \ft Or \fqa earth\f*
\q beneath one’s feet,
\q1
\v 35 denying justice to~a~man~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:35 \ft \+xt Ex 23:6; Dt 16:19; 24:17; Mal 3:5\+xt*\f*
\q in the presence of~the~Most~High,
\q1
\v 36 or subverting a~person in his lawsuit~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:36 \ft \+xt Ex 23:2–3\+xt*\f*~—
\q the Lord does not approve of~these~things.
\s2 \qac מ\qac* \tl Mem\tl*
\q1
\v 37 Who is there who~speaks and~it~happens,
\q unless the Lord has~ordained~it?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:37 \ft \+xt Ps 33:9–11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 38 Do not both adversity and~good
\q come from the mouth of~the~Most~High?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:38 \ft \+xt Gn 50:20; 1Sm 16:14; Jb 2:10; Ps 78:49; Is 45:7; Jr 1:14; 32:42; Am 3:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 39 Why should any living person~complain,
\q any man, because of~the~punishment for~his~sins?
\s2 \qac נ\qac* \tl Nun\tl*
\q1
\v 40 Let’s examine and probe our~ways,
\q and turn back to~the~\nd Lord\nd*.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:40 \ft \+xt Ps 119:5; 139:23–24\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 41 Let’s lift up our~hearts and~our~hands~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:41 \ft \+xt Ps 25:1\+xt*\f*
\q to God in heaven:
\q1
\v 42 “We have sinned and~rebelled;
\q you have not forgiven.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:42 \ft \+xt Dt 29:20; 2Kg 24:4; Jr 5:7\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ס\qac* \tl Samek\tl*
\q1
\v 43 “You have covered yourself in~anger and~pursued~us;
\q you have killed without~compassion.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:43 \ft \+xt Lm 2:2,17,21; Ezk 7:8–9; 8:18\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 44 You have covered yourself with~a~cloud
\q so that no prayer can~get~through.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:44 \ft \+xt Lm 3:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 45 You have made us~disgusting~filth
\q among the peoples.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:45 \ft \+xt 1Co 4:13\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac פ\qac* \tl Pe\tl*
\q1
\v 46 “All our enemies
\q open their mouths against~us.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:46 \ft \+xt Lm 2:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 47 We have experienced panic and~pitfall,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:47 \ft \+xt Is 24:17; Jr 48:43\+xt*\f*
\q devastation and~destruction.”
\q1
\v 48 My eyes flow with~streams of~tears
\q because of the destruction of~my~dear~people.
\s2 \qac ע\qac* \tl Ayin\tl*
\q1
\v 49 My eyes overflow~unceasingly,
\q without end,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:48–49 \ft \+xt Jr 9:1,18; Lm 1:16; 2:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 50 until the \nd Lord\nd* looks~down
\q from heaven and~sees.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:50 \ft \+xt Ps 14:2; 102:19\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 51 My eyes bring me~grief
\q because of the fate of all~the~women in~my~city.
\s2 \qac צ\qac* \tl Tsade\tl*
\q1
\v 52 For no reason, my~enemies~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:52 \ft Or \fqa Those who were my enemies for no reason\f*
\q hunted me like~a~bird.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:52 \ft \+xt Ps 35:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 53 They smothered my life in~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:53 \ft Or \fqa They ended my life in\ft ; Hb obscure\f*~a~pit~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:53 \ft \+xt Gn 37:20–29; Jr 38:6–13\+xt*\f*
\q and threw stones on~me.
\q1
\v 54 Water flooded over~my~head,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:54 \ft \+xt Ps 42:7; 69:1–2; Jnh 2:3,5\+xt*\f*
\q and I thought, “I’m~going to~die!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:54 \ft \+xt Ezk 37:11\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ק\qac* \tl Qoph\tl*
\q1
\v 55 I called on~your~name,~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q from the depths of~the~pit.
\q1
\v 56 You heard my plea:
\q Do not ignore my~cry for~relief.
\q1
\v 57 You came near whenever~I~called you;
\q you said, “Do not be afraid.”
\s2 \qac ר\qac* \tl Resh\tl*
\q1
\v 58 You championed my~cause,~Lord;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:58 \ft \+xt Ps 43:1; Pr 23:11; Jr 50:34\+xt*\f*
\q you redeemed my life.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:58 \ft \+xt Ps 103:4; 119:154\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 59 \nd Lord\nd*, you saw the~wrong done~to~me;
\q judge my case.
\q1
\v 60 You saw all their~vengefulness,
\q all their plots against~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:60 \ft \+xt Jr 11:19\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ׂש\qac* \tl Sin\tl*~/ \qac שׁ\qac* \tl Shin\tl*
\q1
\v 61 \nd Lord\nd*, you heard their~insults,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:61 \ft \+xt Lm 5:1\+xt*\f*
\q all their plots against~me.
\q1
\v 62 The slander~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:62 \ft Lit \fqa lips\f* and~murmuring of~my~opponents
\q attack me all~day~long.
\q1
\v 63 When they sit and~when they~rise,~look,
\q I am mocked by~their~songs.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:63 \ft \+xt Jb 30:9; Ps 69:12; Lm 3:14\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ת\qac* \tl Taw\tl*
\q1
\v 64 You will pay them back what~they~deserve,~\nd Lord\nd*,
\q according to the work of~their~hands.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:64 \ft \+xt Ps 28:4; Rm 2:6; Rv 20:12–13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 65 You will give them a~heart filled~with~anguish.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:65 \ft Or \fqa them an obstinate heart\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:65 \ft \+xt Is 6:10\+xt*\f*
\q May your curse be on~them!
\q1
\v 66 You will pursue them in~anger and~destroy~them
\q under your heavens.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:66 \ft Lit \fqa under the \+nd Lord\+nd*’s heavens\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:66 \ft \+xt Ps 8:3\+xt*\f*
\c 4
\s1 Terrors of the Besieged City
\s2 \qac א\qac* \tl Aleph\tl*
\q1
\v 1 How the gold has~become~tarnished,
\q the fine gold become~dull!
\q The stones of~the~temple~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft Or \fqa The sacred gems\f* lie~scattered
\q at the head of~every~street.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Ezk 7:19–20\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ב\qac* \tl Beth\tl*
\q1
\v 2 Zion’s precious children~—
\q once worth their weight in~pure~gold~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Is 62:3; Zch 9:16\+xt*\f*~—
\q how they are regarded as~clay~jars,
\q the work of a~potter’s~hands!
\s2 \qac ג\qac* \tl Gimel\tl*
\q1
\v 3 Even jackals offer~their~breasts
\q to nurse their young,
\q but my dear people have~become~cruel
\q like ostriches~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Jb 39:13–18\+xt*\f* in~the~wilderness.
\s2 \qac ד\qac* \tl Daleth\tl*
\q1
\v 4 The nursing baby’s~tongue
\q clings to the roof of~his~mouth from~thirst.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Ps 22:15\+xt*\f*
\q Infants beg for~food,
\q but no one gives them~any.
\s2 \qac ה\qac* \tl He\tl*
\q1
\v 5 Those who used to~eat~delicacies
\q are destitute in~the~streets;
\q those who were reared in~purple~garments~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Jdg 8:26; Est 8:15\+xt*\f*
\q huddle in trash heaps.
\s2 \qac ו\qac* \tl Waw\tl*
\q1
\v 6 The punishment of~my~dear~people
\q is greater than that of~Sodom,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft \+xt Gn 18–19; Is 3:9; Jr 23:14\+xt*\f*
\q which was overthrown in~an~instant
\q without a hand laid on~it.
\s2 \qac ז\qac* \tl Zayin\tl*
\q1
\v 7 Her dignitaries were brighter than~snow,
\q whiter than milk;
\q their bodies~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:7 \ft Lit \fqa bones\f* were more~ruddy than~coral,
\q their appearance like~lapis~lazuli.
\s2 \qac ח\qac* \tl Cheth\tl*
\q1
\v 8 Now they appear darker than~soot;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft \+xt Jb 30:30; Lm 5:10\+xt*\f*
\q they are not recognized in~the~streets.
\q Their skin has shriveled on~their~bones;
\q it has become dry like~wood.
\s2 \qac ט\qac* \tl Teth\tl*
\q1
\v 9 Those slain by the sword are better~off
\q than those slain by~hunger,
\q who waste away, pierced~with~pain
\q because the fields lack~produce.
\s2 \qac י\qac* \tl Yod\tl*
\q1
\v 10 The hands of~compassionate~women
\q have cooked their~own~children;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:10 \ft \+xt Dt 28:53; 2Kg 6:9\+xt*\f*
\q they became their~food
\q during the destruction of~my~dear~people.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:10 \ft \+xt Jr 8:11,21; Lm 2:11; 3:48\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac כ\qac* \tl Kaph\tl*
\q1
\v 11 The \nd Lord\nd* has exhausted his~wrath,
\q poured out his~burning~anger;
\q he has ignited a~fire in~Zion,
\q and it has consumed her~foundations.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:11 \ft \+xt Lm 2:3–4\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac ל\qac* \tl Lamed\tl*
\q1
\v 12 The kings of~the~earth
\q and all the~world’s~inhabitants did~not~believe
\q that an enemy or~adversary
\q could enter Jerusalem’s gates.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:12 \ft \+xt 2Sm 5:6–8; Ps 48:1–5\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac מ\qac* \tl Mem\tl*
\q1
\v 13 Yet it happened because of the~sins of~her~prophets
\q and the iniquities of~her~priests,
\q who shed the blood of~the~righteous within~her.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:13 \ft \+xt Ps 106:38–39; Ezk 22:1–5\+xt*\f*
\s2 \qac נ\qac* \tl Nun\tl*
\q1
\v 14 Blind, they stumbled in~the~streets,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Dt 28:29; Is 59:10; Zph 1:17\+xt*\f*
\q defiled by this~blood,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Lv 21:11\+xt*\f*
\q so that no one dared
\q to touch their~garments.
\s2 \qac ס\qac* \tl Samek\tl*
\q1
\v 15 “Stay away! Unclean!~” people~shouted at~them.
\q “Away, away! Don’t~touch~us!~”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:15 \ft \+xt Lv 13:45–46\+xt*\f*
\q So they wandered~aimlessly.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:15 \ft \+xt Gn 4:12\+xt*\f*
\q It was said among~the~nations,
\q “They can stay here no~longer.”
\s2 \qac פ\qac* \tl Pe\tl*
\q1
\v 16 The \nd Lord\nd* himself has~scattered~them;
\q he no longer watches over them.
\q The priests are~not~respected;
\q the elders find no~favor.
\s2 \qac ע\qac* \tl Ayin\tl*
\q1
\v 17 All the while our eyes were~failing
\q as we looked in~vain for~help;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:17 \ft \+xt Jr 37:7–8\+xt*\f*
\q we watched from~our~towers
\q for a nation that~would not save us.
\s2 \qac צ\qac* \tl Tsade\tl*
\q1
\v 18 Our steps were~closely~followed
\q so that we could not walk in~our~streets.
\q Our end approached;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:18 \ft \+xt Ezk 7:2–12; Am 8:2\+xt*\f* our~time ran~out.
\q Our end had come!
\s2 \qac ק\qac* \tl Qoph\tl*
\q1
\v 19 Those who chased~us were~swifter
\q than eagles in~the~sky;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:19 \ft \+xt Jr 4:13; Hab 1:8\+xt*\f*
\q they relentlessly pursued~us over~the~mountains
\q and ambushed us in~the~wilderness.
\s2 \qac ר\qac* \tl Resh\tl*
\q1
\v 20 The \nd Lord\nd*’s anointed, the~breath of~our~life,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:20 \ft Lit \fqa nostrils\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:20 \ft \+xt Gn 2:7; 2Kg 25:7\+xt*\f*
\q was captured in~their~traps.
\q We had said about~him,
\q “We will live under~his~protection among~the~nations.”
\s2 \qac ׂש\qac* \tl Sin\tl*
\q1
\v 21 So rejoice and~be~glad, Daughter~Edom,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:21 \ft \+xt Ezk 35:15; Ob 12\+xt*\f*
\q you resident of~the~land of~Uz!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:21 \ft \+xt Jr 25:20\+xt*\f*
\q Yet the cup~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:21 \ft \+xt Is 51:17; Jr 25:15–16; Hab 2:16\+xt*\f* will pass to~you as~well;
\q you will get drunk and~expose~yourself.
\s2 \qac ת\qac* \tl Taw\tl*
\q1
\v 22 Daughter Zion, your~punishment is~complete;
\q he will not lengthen your~exile.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:22 \ft Or \fqa not deport you again\f*
\q But he will punish your~iniquity, Daughter~Edom,
\q and will expose your~sins.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:22 \ft \+xt Ps 137:7; Ezk 25:12–14; Jl 3:19\+xt*\f*
\c 5
\s1 Prayer for Restoration
\q1
\v 1 \nd Lord\nd*, remember what~has~happened to~us.
\q Look, and see our~disgrace!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft \+xt Ps 74:18,22; 89:50–51\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Our inheritance has~been~turned~over to~strangers,
\q our houses to~foreigners.
\q1
\v 3 We have become orphans,~fatherless;
\q our mothers are widows.
\q1
\v 4 We must pay for~the~water we~drink;
\q our wood comes at~a~price.
\q1
\v 5 We are closely pursued;
\q we are tired, and no~one offers~us~rest.
\q1
\v 6 We made a~treaty with~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft Lit \fqa We gave the hand to\f*~Egypt
\q and with Assyria, to~get~enough~food.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt Hs 12:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Our ancestors sinned; they~no~longer~exist,
\q but we bear their~punishment.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft \+xt Ex 34:7; Lv 26:39; Dt 24:16; Ezk 18:2–4\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Slaves rule over us;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt Pr 30:21–23; Ec 10:7\+xt*\f*
\q no one rescues us from~them.
\q1
\v 9 We secure our food at~the~risk of~our~lives
\q because of the sword in~the~wilderness.
\q1
\v 10 Our skin is as hot~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Or \fqa black\ft ; Hb obscure\f* as~an~oven~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft \+xt Lm 4:8\+xt*\f*
\q from the ravages of~hunger.
\q1
\v 11 Women have been raped in~Zion,
\q virgins in the cities of~Judah.
\q1
\v 12 Princes have been hung~up by~their~hands;
\q elders are shown no~respect.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:12 \ft \+xt Lm 4:16\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Young men labor at~millstones;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft \+xt Ex 11:5; Jdg 16:21; Is 47:2\+xt*\f*
\q boys stumble under~loads~of~wood.
\q1
\v 14 The elders have left the~city~gate,
\q the young men, their~music.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft \+xt Is 24:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 Joy has left our~hearts;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:15 \ft \+xt Am 8:10\+xt*\f*
\q our dancing has~turned to~mourning.
\q1
\v 16 The crown has~fallen from~our~head.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Jb 19:9; Is 28:3; Jr 13:18\+xt*\f*
\q Woe to us, for~we~have~sinned.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Jr 8:14; 14:20; Dn 9:11\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 17 Because of this, our~heart is~sick;
\q because of these, our~eyes grow~dim:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:17 \ft \+xt Ps 69:23; Ec 12:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 18 because of Mount Zion, which~lies~desolate
\q and has jackals prowling~in~it.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:18 \ft \+xt Is 13:19–22; 34:11–15\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 19 You, \nd Lord\nd*, are~enthroned~forever;
\q your throne endures from~generation to~generation.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:19 \ft \+xt Ps 9:7; 45:6; 102:12; Ezk 43:7; Heb 1:8; Rv 4:9–10; 5:13\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 20 Why do you continually forget~us,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:20 \ft \+xt Ps 13:1\+xt*\f*
\q abandon us for~our~entire~lives?
\q1
\v 21 \nd Lord\nd*, bring us back to~yourself, so~we may~return;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:21 \ft \+xt Jr 15:19; 31:18\+xt*\f*
\q renew our days as~in~former~times,
\q1
\v 22 unless you have~completely rejected~us
\q and are intensely~angry with~us.
\q
