1
Aleph How is the gold become dim!
how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are scattered through the crossings of every street.
2
Beth The sons of Zion, precious and esteemed more than pure gold, how are they taken for earthen vessels, the work of the hands of the potter!
3
Gimel Even the sea monsters draw out the breast; they give suck to their young ones; the daughter of my people
is cruel like the ostriches in the wilderness.
4
Daleth The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst; the young children ask for bread, and there was no one to break it unto them.
5
He Those that did feed delicately are made desolate in the streets; those that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
6
Vau For the iniquity of the daughter of my people has increased more than the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and companies did not camp upon her.
7
Zain Her Nazarites were whiter than snow; they were more radiant than milk; their composure had more fire than the precious stones cut from sapphire:
8
Cheth Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets; their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered; it is dry like a stick.
9
Teth Those slain with the sword are better than
those slain with hunger; for these pine away, stricken through for
want of the fruits of the earth.
10
Jod The hands of the compassionate women have cooked their own children; they were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
11
Caph The LORD has accomplished his fury; he has poured out his fierce anger and has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has devoured the foundations thereof.