We made a treaty with Egypt
and with Assyria, to get enough food.

Our fathers sinned; they no longer exist,
but we bear their punishment.

Slaves rule over us;
no one rescues us from their hands.

We secure our food at the risk of our lives
because of the sword in the wilderness.

Women are raped in Zion,
girls in the cities of Judah.

Our skin is as hot as an oven
from the ravages of hunger.

Lord, restore us to Yourself, so we may return;
renew our days as in former times,

Joy has left our hearts;
our dancing has turned to mourning.

Young men labor at millstones;
boys stumble under loads of wood.

Princes are hung up by their hands;
elders are shown no respect.

Yahweh, remember what has happened to us.
Look, and see our disgrace!

because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate
and has jackals prowling in it.

unless You have completely rejected us
and are intensely angry with us.

The elders have left the city gate,
the young men, their music.

You, Lord, are enthroned forever;
Your throne endures from generation to generation.

Because of this, our heart is sick;
because of these, our eyes grow dim:

The crown has fallen from our head.
Woe to us, for we have sinned.

Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,
our houses to foreigners.

Why have You forgotten us forever,
abandoned us for our entire lives?

We have become orphans, fatherless;
our mothers are widows.

We are closely pursued;
we are tired, and no one offers us rest.

We must pay for the water we drink;
our wood comes at a price.