8. The Lord planned to destroythe wall around Jerusalem.He measured the walland did not stop himself from destroying it.He made the walls and defenses sad;together they have fallen.
9. Jerusalem’s gates have fallen to the ground;he destroyed and smashed the bars of the gates.Her king and her princes are among the nations.The teaching of the Lord has stopped,and the prophets do not havevisions from the Lord.
10. The elders of Jerusalemsit on the ground in silence.They throw dust on their headsand put on rough cloth to show their sadness.The young women of Jerusalembow their heads to the ground in sorrow.
11. My eyes have no more tears,and I am sick to my stomach.I feel empty inside,because my people have been destroyed.Children and babies are faintingin the streets of the city.
12. They ask their mothers,“Where is the grain and wine?”They faint like wounded soldiersin the streets of the cityand die in their mothers’ arms.