Lamentations 2:10-18   New International Version    

10 The elders of Daughter Zion     sit on the ground in silence; they have sprinkled dust on their heads     and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem     have bowed their heads to the ground.

11 My eyes fail from weeping,     I am in torment within; my heart is poured out on the ground     because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint     in the streets of the city.

12 They say to their mothers,     “Where is bread and wine?” as they faint like the wounded     in the streets of the city, as their lives ebb away     in their mothers’ arms.

13 What can I say for you?     With what can I compare you,     Daughter Jerusalem? To what can I liken you,     that I may comfort you,     Virgin Daughter Zion? Your wound is as deep as the sea.     Who can heal you?

14 The visions of your prophets     were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin     to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you     were false and misleading.

15 All who pass your way     clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads     at Daughter Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called     the perfection of beauty,     the joy of the whole earth?”

16 All your enemies open their mouths     wide against you; they scoff and gnash their teeth     and say, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day we have waited for;     we have lived to see it.”

17 The Lord has done what he planned;     he has fulfilled his word,     which he decreed long ago. He has overthrown you without pity,     he has let the enemy gloat over you,     he has exalted the horn[a] of your foes.

18 The hearts of the people     cry out to the Lord. You walls of Daughter Zion,     let your tears flow like a river     day and night; give yourself no relief,     your eyes no rest.