Lamentations 2:13-19 - The Prophet Speaks Out: The Lord Destroyed You

13 What example am I to give you? What comparison am I to make for you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What am I to make equal to you, so that I may give you comfort, O virgin daughter of Zion? Your destruction is great like the sea. Who is able to make you well?

14 The visions your prophets have seen for you are false and foolish! They have not made you fully aware of your sin so your fate might be changed. They have seen for you false words, driving you away.

15 All who go by make a noise with their hands at you. They make hisses, shaking their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem. They say: Is this the town that was the crown of everything beautiful, the joy of all the earth?

16 All your enemies are opening their mouths wide against you. They hiss and whistle through their teeth and say: We have made a meal of her. Certainly this is the day we have been looking for. It has come and we see it.

17 Jehovah accomplished his purpose. He accomplished what he said he would with the orders he gave in the days that are past. He tore down and shows no compassion. He causes your enemies to rejoice. He lifted up the horn (power) of your adversaries.

18 Let your cry go up to Jehovah: O wall of the daughter of Zion let your weeping be flowing down like a stream day and night. Give yourself no rest. Do not let your eyes hold back the drops of sorrow.

19 Rise up! Cry out in the night at the beginning of the night watches. Let your heart be flowing out like water before the face of Jehovah. Lift up your hands to him for the life of your young children who are falling down starving in every street.