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?
21 My people, both young and old,lie dead in the streets.Because you were angry,my young men and womenwere brutally slaughtered.
22 When you were angry, Lord,you invited my enemieslike guests for a party.No one survived that day;enemies killed my children,my own little ones.