11
With joy I nurtured them, but I sent them away with weeping and sorrow.
12
Let no one rejoice over me, a widow and bereaved of many; I was left desolate because of the sins of my children, because they turned away from the law of God.
13
They had no regard for his statutes; they did not walk in the ways of God's commandments, or tread the paths his righteousness showed them.
14
Let the neighbors of Zion come; remember the capture of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting brought upon them.
15
For he brought a distant nation against them, a nation ruthless and of a strange language, which had no respect for the aged and no pity for a child.
16
They led away the widow's beloved sons, and bereaved the lonely woman of her daughters.
17
But I, how can I help you?
18
For he who brought these calamities upon you will deliver you from the hand of your enemies.
19
Go, my children, go; for I have been left desolate.
20
I have taken off the robe of peace and put on sackcloth for my supplication; I will cry to the Everlasting all my days.
21
Take courage, my children, cry to God, and he will deliver you from the power and hand of the enemy.