7. Their princes were brighter than snow and 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 recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
9. Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.
10. With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when 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 Zion that 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 enter the gates of Jerusalem.
13. But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous.
14. Now they grope through the streets as if they were blind. They are so defiled with blood that 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 honor, the elders no favor.