11. All of Jerusalem’s people groan,looking for bread.They are trading their precious things for foodso they can stay alive.The city says, “Look, Lord, and see.I am hated.”
12. Jerusalem says, “You who pass by on the road don’t seem to care.Come, look at me and see:Is there any pain like mine?Is there any pain like that he has caused me?The Lord has punished meon the day of his great anger.
13. “He sent fire from abovethat went down into my bones.He stretched out a net for my feetand turned me back.He made me so sad and lonelythat I am weak all day.
14. “He has noticed my sins;they are tied together by his hands;they hang around my neck.He has turned my strength into weakness.The Lord has handed me overto those who are stronger than I.
15. “The Lord has rejectedall my mighty men inside my walls.He brought an army against meto destroy my young men.As if in a winepress, the Lord has crushedthe capital city of Judah.
16. “I cry about these things;my eyes overflow with tears.There is no one near to comfort me,no one who can give me strength again.My children are left sad and lonely,because the enemy has won.”
17. Jerusalem reaches out her hands,but there is no one to comfort her.The Lord commanded the people of Jacobto be surrounded by their enemies.Jerusalem is now uncleanlike those around her.
18. Jerusalem says, “The Lord is right,but I refused to obey him.Listen, all you people,and look at my pain.My young women and menhave gone into captivity.
19. “I called out to my friends,but they turned against me.My priests and my eldershave died in the citywhile looking for foodto stay alive.