Lamentations 5

A Prayer for Mercy

The People of Jerusalem Pray:#5.1 The People of Jerusalem Pray: Or "The Prophet Prays."

1 Our Lord, don’t forget

how we have suffered

and been disgraced.

2 Foreigners and strangers

have taken our land

and our homes.

3 We are like children

whose mothers are widows.

4 The water we drink

and the wood we burn

cost far too much.

5 We are terribly mistreated;*5.5 We … mistreated: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

we are worn out

and can find no rest.

6 We had to surrender

to*5.6 surrender to: Or "make treaties with." Egypt and Assyria

because we were hungry.

7 Our ancestors sinned,

but they are dead,

and we are left to pay

for their sins.

8 Slaves are now our rulers,

and there is no one

to set us free.

9 We are in danger

from brutal desert tribes;

we must risk our lives

just to bring in our crops.*5.9 crops: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 9.

10 Our skin is scorched

from fever and hunger.

11 On Zion and everywhere in Judah

our wives and daughters

are being raped.

12 Our rulers are strung up

by their arms,

and our nation’s advisors

are treated shamefully.

13 Young men are forced

to do the work of slaves;

boys must carry

heavy loads of wood.

14 Our leaders are not allowed

to decide cases in court,

and young people

no longer play music.

15 Our hearts are sad;

instead of dancing,

we mourn.

16 Zion’s glory has disappeared!

And we are doomed

because of our sins.

17 We feel sick all over

and can’t even see straight;

18 our city is in ruins,

overrun by wild dogs.

19 You will rule forever, Lord!

You are King for all time.

20 Why have you forgotten us

for so long?

21 Bring us back to you!

Give us a fresh start.

22 Or do you despise us so much

that you don’t want us?