2 Judah mourns;her gates wither away.The people fall to the ground in sorrow,as sobs of Jerusalem ascend.
3 The rich send their servants for water,but the wells run dry.They return with empty jars,ashamed, bewildered, and in despair.
4 Because the ground is cracked due to lack of rain,the farmers too are ashamed;they cover their heads.
5 Even the doe in the fieldabandons her newborn,for there’s no grass.
6 The wild donkeys stand on the well-traveled paths,panting like thirsty dogs;they go blindsince there’s nothing to eat.
7 Even though our sins testify against us,help us, Lord, for your name’s sake.We have turned away from youand sinned against you time and again.
8 You are the hope of Israel,its savior in times of trouble.Why are you like a stranger in the land,like a tourist spending only the night?