38
The people of Jerusalem fled in fear, and the city became a colony of foreigners. Jerusalem was foreign to its own people, who had been forced to abandon the city.
36
The fort was a threat to the Temple, a constant, evil menace for Israel.
37
Innocent people were murdered around the altar; the Holy Place was defiled by murderers.
38
The people of Jerusalem fled in fear, and the city became a colony of foreigners. Jerusalem was foreign to its own people, who had been forced to abandon the city.
39
Her Temple was as empty as a wilderness; her festivals were turned into days of mourning, her Sabbath joy into shame. Her honor became an object of ridicule.
40
Her shame was as great as her former glory, and her pride was turned into deepest mourning.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.