1. O Elohim, why hast Thou cast us off lanetzach? Why doth Thine anger smoke against the tzon (sheep) of Thy mireh (pasture)?
2. Remember Thy Edah (congregation), which Thou hast purchased of old; the shevet (tribe) of Thine nachalah, which Thou hast redeemed: this Har Tziyon, wherein Thou hast dwelt.
3. Lift up Thy footsteps unto the mashu'ot netzach (perpetual ruins); even all that the oyev hath done wickedly in the Kodesh [the Beis HaMikdash].
4. Thine enemies roar in the midst of Thy Mo'ed (place of meeting); they set up their banners for otot (signs, i.e., their heathen insignia).
5. It had been as though one lifted up kardumim (axes) upon the thicket of etz.
6. But now they break down the carved panels [of the Beis HaMikdash] at once with hammers and chisels.
7. They have set ablaze Thy Mikdash, burning it to the ground; they have brought chillul to the Mishkan Shemecha (the dwelling place of Thy Name).