Lamentations 1:12-22

“None who passes by even cares. Turn around and look at me! Is there anyone who suffers as much as I? YAHWEH, in the terrible day of your fierce anger, you punished me worst of all. “From on high, he sent a fire deep in my bones, and it conquered me. He trapped my feet in his snare and hurled me back. He left me stunned in misery that had no end. “YAHWEH took my sins in his hands and tied them into a yoke. Then, he set his yoke upon my neck and caused my strength to fail. The Lord let my enemies defeat me; I am helpless to resist. “The Lord has despised and rejected all the mighty warriors who defended me. He mobilized an army to destroy me and crush my young men. The Lord has trampled like grapes in a winepress the fair daughter of Judah. “This is why I weep bitterly, as tears stream down my cheeks. Truly, no one is here to comfort me or revive my life. My children no longer have a future, for the enemy has triumphed.” Zion stretches out her hands for help, but there is no one to comfort her. At YAHWEH’s command, Jacob’s neighbors became her enemies. They all treated Jerusalem as though she were a bloody rag. “YAHWEH is just to judge, for I have rebelled against his word. Listen, everyone, and see my sorrow; my maidens and young men have gone into captivity. “I called to my lovers, but they cheated on me. My leaders and priests died in the city while scrounging for food just to keep themselves alive. “YAHWEH, can’t you see I’m in deep trouble? My gut is churning and my heart is burning— how rebellious I have been! The sword rules on the street; plague rules within the houses. “They have heard my groans, yet I have no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad you have done this to me. You threatened me and kept your promise— oh, that the same would happen to them! “Let all their wickedness condemn them. Deal with them as you have dealt with me for all my sins. My groaning seems endless, and I am sick at heart.”