16. All your enemies open their mouthsto say things against you.They make fun and grind their teeth in anger.They say, “We have swallowed her up.This is the day we were waiting for.We have finally seen it happen.”
17. The Lord has done what he planned.He has carried out the orderthat he commanded long ago.He has destroyed without mercy.He has made your enemies happy because of what happened to you.He has strengthened your enemies.
18. The peoplecry out to the Lord.Wall of Jerusalem,let your tears flowlike a river day and night.Do not stop.Do not let your eyes rest.
19. Get up, cry out in the night.Cry all through the night.Pour out your heart like waterin prayer to the Lord.Lift up your hands in prayer to him.Pray for the life of your children.They are fainting with hungeron every street corner.
20. Jerusalem says: “Look, Lord, and see.You have never done this to anyone else.Women eat their own babies,the children they have cared for.Priests and prophetsare killed in the Temple of the Lord.
21. “Young men and old menlie on the ground in the streets of the city.My young women and young menhave been killed by the sword.You, Lord, killed them on the day of your anger.You killed them without mercy.
22. “You invited terrors to come against me on every side.It was as if you were inviting them to a feast.No one escaped or remained aliveon the day of the Lord’s anger.My enemy has killedthose whom I gave birth to and brought up.”