15 God brought a cruel and foreign nation here, and it had no pity on anyone, whether young or old.
16 That nation stole my sons and daughters, and now I am a lonely widow.
17 As for you, my children Israel, I can do nothing to help you.
18 God punished you in these terrible ways, and now only God can rescue you from your enemies.
19 Go on with your life, my children—I am alone.
20 I have taken off the clothes I wore during my time of peace, and I have put on the clothes that show I am in mourning. I will cry out to the eternal God until the day I die.
21 Be brave, my children, and beg God to help you! He is the one who will rescue you from your powerful enemy.