12 Not a king on this earthor the people of any nationbelieved enemies could breakthrough her gates.
13 Jerusalem was punished becauseher prophets and her priestshad sinned and caused the deathof innocent victims.
14 Yes, her prophets and priestswere covered with blood;no one would come near them,as they wanderedfrom street to street.
15 Instead, everyone shouted,“Go away! Don't touch us!You're filthy and unfitto belong to God's people!”So they had to leaveand become refugees.But foreign nations told them,“You can't stay here!”
16 The Lord is the onewho sent them scattering,and he has forgotten them.No respect or kindnesswill be shownto the priests or leaders.
17 Our eyes became weary,hopelessly lookingfor help from a nationthat could not save us.
18 Enemies hunted us downon every public street.Our time was up;our doom was near.