The People of Jerusalem Pray:
5:1 O LORD, consider1
what has happened to us;
please pay attention2
and take notice3
of the disgrace we are suffering.4
5:2 Strangers have taken possession5
of the land that we inherited,6
foreigners now occupy our homes.7
5:3 We have become orphans and fatherless,
our mothers have become widows.
5:4 We must pay money8
to drink our own water;9
we must buy our own wood at a steep price.10
5:5 We are pursued—our adversaries are breathing
down our necks;11
we are physically worn out and cannot find any rest.
5:6 We have made treaties12
with Egypt and Assyria
just to acquire enough food13
to keep us alive.14
5:7 Our fathers sinned and are now dead,15
so16
we are left to bear17
their punishment.18
5:8 Tyrants19
rule over us;
there is no one to rescue us from their control.20
5:9 We risk21
our lives22
when we search for food23
because murderous marauders lurk24
in the countryside.25
5:10 Our skin is hot as an oven;
we are feverish from hunger.26
5:11 Our wives27
have been raped28
in the City of Zion;29
our virgin-daughters30
have been ravished31
in the towns of Judah.
5:12 They32
executed the royal family33
by hanging;34
they have mistreated our elders.35
5:13 They force our young men to perform menial
physical labor;36
they make our boys carry heavy loads of wood.37
5:14 The elders have ceased conducting business
at the city gate;38
the young men have stopped playing their joyful music.
5:15 Our hearts no longer experience any joy;39
instead of dancing with joy, we mourn and lament.40
5:16 The crown has fallen from our head;
woe to us for we have sinned!
5:17 Because of this, we41
are very sorrowful;42
because of these things, we can hardly see43
through our tears.44
5:18 For wild animals45
are prowling over Mount Zion,
which lies deserted.46
5:19 But you, O LORD, reign forever;
your throne endures from generation to generation.
5:20 Why have you forgotten47
us forever?
Why do you forsake us so long?
5:21 Bring us back to yourself, O LORD, and let
us return48
to you;
renew49
our life50
as in ancient times.51
5:22 Or52
are you determined to reject us once and for all?!?53
Are you angry with us beyond limit?!?54