2. So we put out all the wedding lamps, and all my neighbours came to comfort me. I remained in control of myself until the evening of the second day,
3. when they all left. That night I got up and came out to this field, as you see.
4. I have decided never to return to that town. I am going to stay here in constant mourning, neither eating nor drinking anything until I die.”
5. When she told me this, I put aside my own thoughts and spoke sharply to her:
6. “You are the most foolish woman I ever met. Don't you see what our people are suffering? Don't you know all that has happened to us?
7. Jerusalem, the mother of us all, is overcome with grief and shame. You ought to be mourning for her
8. and sharing the grief and sorrow of all of us. But you are mourning for that one son of yours.
9. Ask the earth; let her tell you that she is the one who ought to be mourning for the vast multitudes of people that she has brought to birth.
19-20. “Don't do that,” I continued. “Consider the misfortunes and sorrows of Jerusalem, and you won't feel so sorry for yourself.
21. You can see that our place of worship is in ruins, our altar has been torn down, our Temple has been destroyed,
22. our musical instruments lie quiet, our hymns have been silenced, our joy has ended, the light of the sacred lamp has been put out, our Covenant Box has been carried off, our sacred utensils have been desecrated, the name of our God has been profaned, our leaders have been dishonoured, our priests have been burnt to death, our Levites have been taken captive, our virgins have been raped, our wives have been violated, our devout men have been carried off, our children have been abandoned, our young people have been made slaves, and our strong soldiers have been made helpless.
23. Worst of all, Jerusalem, once marked as God's own city, has lost its glory and has been handed over to our enemies.
24. So put aside all your sorrow and grief. May God Most High, the Almighty, be merciful to you and give you peace. May he give you rest from your troubles.”
25. While I was speaking to the woman, her face suddenly began to shine with a light that flashed like lightning. I was afraid to stand near her and wondered what all this meant.
26. Suddenly she let out a loud and terrifying cry that shook the earth.
27. When I looked up, I could no longer see the woman, but there was a city built on huge foundations. I was afraid and shouted,
28. “Where is the angel Uriel, who came to me earlier? It is his fault that I am so confused. My prayer is useless, and I have nothing to hope for but death.”
29. I was still speaking when the angel Uriel appeared again. He saw me
30. lying there unconscious like a corpse, so he took hold of my right-hand, gave me strength, and stood me on my feet. Then he asked,
31. “What's the matter? Why are you so disturbed and confused?”
32. I answered, “You abandoned me completely! I did as you told me and came out to this field, but I cannot explain what I am seeing.”
33. “Stand up straight,” he answered, “and I will explain it to you.”
34. “Sir,” I answered, “please explain it to me. I will die in my frustration if you leave me,
35. for I cannot understand what I have seen and heard.
36. Or is my mind playing tricks on me, and this is just a bad dream?