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.
22
For I have put my hope in the Everlasting to save you, and joy has come to me from the Holy One, because of the mercy that will soon come to you from your everlasting savior.
23
For I sent you out with sorrow and weeping, but God will give you back to me with joy and gladness forever.