7. Their princes were brighter than snowand whiter than milk,their bodies more ruddy than rubies,their appearance like lapis lazuli.
8. But now they are blacker than soot;they are not recognised in the streets.Their skin has shrivelled on their bones;it has become as dry as a stick.
9. Those killed by the sword are better offthan those who die of famine;racked with hunger, they waste awayfor lack of food from the field.
10. With their own hands compassionate womenhave cooked their own children,who became their foodwhen my people were destroyed.
11. The Lord has given full vent to his wrath;he has poured out his fierce anger.He kindled a fire in Zionthat consumed her foundations.
12. The kings of the earth did not believe,nor did any of the peoples of the world,that enemies and foes could enterthe gates of Jerusalem.
13. But it happened because of the sins of her prophetsand the iniquities of her priests,who shed within herthe blood of the righteous.
14. Now they grope through the streetsas if they were blind.They are so defiled with bloodthat no one dares to touch their garments.
15. ‘Go away! You are unclean!’ people cry to them.‘Away! Away! Don’t touch us!’When they flee and wander about,people among the nations say,‘They can stay here no longer.’
16. The Lord himself has scattered them;he no longer watches over them.The priests are shown no honour,the elders no favour.
17. Moreover, our eyes failed,looking in vain for help;from our towers we watchedfor a nation that could not save us.