Lamentations 5:13-22

13 Young men ground at the millstones; Boys staggered under loads of wood.

14 The elders have ceased gathering at the gate, And the young men from their music.

15 The joy of our heart has ceased; Our dance has turned into mourning.

16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!

17 Because of this our heart is faint; Because of these things our eyes grow dim;

18 Because of Mount Zion which is desolate, With foxes walking about on it.

19 You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.

20 Why do You forget us forever, And forsake us for so long a time?

21 Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old,

22 Unless You have utterly rejected us, And are very angry with us!

Lamentations 5:13-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS 5

In this chapter are reckoned up the various calamities and distresses of the Jews in Babylon, which the Lord is desired to remember and consider, La 5:1-16; their great concern for the desolation of the temple in particular is expressed, La 5:17,18; and the chapter is concluded with a prayer that God would show favour to them, and turn them to him, and renew their prosperity as of old, though he had rejected them, and been wroth with them, La 5:19-22.