8. The Lord was determined to tear downDaughter Zion’s wall.He prepared to knock it down; he did not withdraw his hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and fortified walls lament;together they mourned their ruin.ט (Tet)
9. Her city gates have fallen to the ground;he smashed to bits the bars that lock her gates. Her king and princes were taken into exile;there is no more guidance available.As for her prophets, they no longer receive a vision from the Lord.י (Yod)
10. The elders of Daughter Zionsit on the ground in silence.They have thrown dirt on their heads;They have dressed in sackcloth.Jerusalem’s young women stare down at the ground.כ (Kaf)
11. My eyes are worn out from weeping;my stomach is in knots.My heart is poured out on the grounddue to the destruction of my helpless people; children and infants faintin the town squares.ל (Lamed)
12. Children say to their mothers,“Where are food and drink?”They faint like a wounded warriorin the city squares.They die slowlyin their mothers’ arms.מ (Mem)
13. With what can I equate you?To what can I compare you, O Daughter Jerusalem?To what can I liken youso that I might comfort you, O Virgin Daughter Zion?Your wound is as deep as the sea.Who can heal you?נ (Nun)
14. Your prophets saw visions for youthat were worthless lies. They failed to expose your sinso as to restore your fortunes.They saw oracles for youthat were worthless lies.ס (Samek)
15. All who passed by on the roadclapped their hands to mock you.They sneered and shook their headsat Daughter Jerusalem.“Ha! Is this the city they called ‘The perfection of beauty,the source of joy of the whole earth!’?”פ (Pe)
16. All your enemiesgloated over you. They sneered and gnashed their teeth;they said, “We have destroyed her!Ha! We have waited a long time for this day.We have lived to see it!”ע (Ayin)
17. The Lord has done what he planned;he has fulfilled his promisethat he threatened long ago:He has overthrown you without mercyand has enabled the enemy to gloat over you;he has exalted your adversaries’ power.צ (Tsade)
18. Cry out from your heart to the Lord,O wall of Daughter Zion!Make your tears flow like a riverall day and all night long!Do not rest;do not let your tears stop!ק (Qof)