4
Because of thirst the infant’s tongue sticks to the roof of its mouth; the children beg for bread, but no one gives it to them.
5
Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those brought up in royal purple now lie on ash heaps.
6
The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her.
7
Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.
8
But now they are blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
9
Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.
10
With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.
11
The LORD has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations.
12
The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the peoples of the world, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
13
But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous.
14
Now they grope through the streets as if they were blind. They are so defiled with blood that no one dares to touch their garments.