v1
Remember, O Yahweh, what has become of us; take note, and see our disgrace!
v2
Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses, to foreigners.
v3
We have become orphans, fatherless, our mothers are like widows.
v4
We pay for water with money, ^[Literally “we drink our water by money”] our wood comes to us at a price.
v5
We are driven on our necks; we are weary, there is no rest for us.
v6
We have made a deal with Egypt and Assyria to be satisfied with food.
v7
Our fathers have sinned, they are no more; we bear their iniquity.
v8
Slaves rule over us; there is no one to deliver us from their hand.
v9
We risk our life for food ^[Literally “We take our food at our life”] because of the sword of the desert.
v10
Our skin is hot like an oven because of the scorching famine.
v11
They raped women in Zion, young women ^[Or “virgins”] in the cities of Judah.
v12
They hang princes by their hand; they do not show respect before elders.
v13
Young men must carry a hand-mill and boys stumble under the wood.
v14
Elders are no longer at the gate, young men no longer play stringed instruments.
v15
The joy of our hearts has stopped; our circle-dancing has changed to a mourning ceremony.
v16
The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!
v17
Because of this, our heart has become faint, because of these, our eyes have become dim.
v18
Because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, foxes tread on it. ^[Literally “foxes go on it”]
v19
You, O Yahweh, will sit forever on your throne for generation to generation.
v20
Why have you forgotten us forever? Why have you forsaken us for so long? ^[Literally “for long days”]
v21
Restore us to you, O Yahweh, that we will be restored; renew our days as of old.
v22
Unless you have utterly rejected us, unless you are angry with us beyond measure.