12. They say to their mothers,‘Where is bread and wine?’as they faint like the woundedin the streets of the city,as their lives ebb awayin 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 prophetswere false and worthless;they did not expose your sinto ward off your captivity.The prophecies they gave youwere false and misleading.
15. All who pass your wayclap their hands at you;they scoff and shake their headsat Daughter Jerusalem:‘Is this the city that was calledthe perfection of beauty,the joy of the whole earth?’
16. All your enemies open their mouthswide against you;they scoff and gnash their teethand 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 of your foes.
18. The hearts of the peoplecry out to the Lord.You walls of Daughter Zion,let your tears flow like a riverday and night;give yourself no relief,your eyes no rest.
19. Arise, cry out in the night,as the watches of the night begin;pour out your heart like waterin the presence of the Lord.Lift up your hands to himfor the lives of your children,who faint from hungerat every street corner.