14 Your prophets deceived youwith false visionsand lying messages—they should have warned youto leave your sinsand be saved from disaster.
15 Those who pass byshake their heads and sneeras they make fun and shout,“What a lovely city you were,the happiest on earth,but look at you now!”
16 Zion, your enemies curse youand snarl like wild animals,while shouting,“This is the daywe've waited for!At last, we've got you!”
17 The Lord has done everythingthat he had plannedand threatened long ago.He destroyed you without mercyand let your enemies boast abouttheir powerful forces.
18 Zion, deep in your heartyou cried out to the Lord.Now let your tears overflowyour walls day and night.Don't ever lose hopeor let your tears stop.
19 Get up and pray for helpall through the night.Pour out your feelingsto the Lord,as you would pour waterout of a jug.Beg him to save your people,who are starving to deathat every street crossing.
20 Think about it, Lord!Have you ever been this cruelto anyone before?Is it right for mothersto eat their children,or for priests and prophetsto be killed in your temple?