10. The hands of compassionate womenhave boiled their own children!They became their foodwhen the daughter of my people was shattered.
11. The Lord has exhausted his anger,poured out his blazing wrath;He has kindled a fire in Zionthat has consumed her foundations.
12. The kings of the earth did not believe,nor any of the world’s inhabitants,That foe or enemy could enterthe gates of Jerusalem.
13. Except for the sins of her prophetsand the crimes of her priests,Who poured out in her midstthe blood of the just.
14. They staggered blindly in the streets,defiled with blood,So that people could not toucheven their garments:
15. “Go away! Unclean!” they cried to them,“Away, away, do not touch!”If they went away and wandered,it would be said among the nations,“They can no longer live here!
16. The presence of the Lord was their portion,but he no longer looks upon them.The priests are shown no regard,the elders, no mercy.
17. Even now our eyes are worn out,searching in vain for help;From our watchtower we have watchedfor a nation unable to save.
18. They dogged our every step,we could not walk in our squares;Our end drew near, our time was up;yes, our end had come.