Lamentations 5:11-21

11 Our women have been raped in Zion. Our virgins have been raped in the towns of Judah.

12 Our princes have been hung up by their hands. No one shows our elders any respect.

13 Our young men are forced to grind grain at the mill. Our boys almost fall down as they carry heavy loads of wood.

14 Our elders don't go to the city gate anymore. Our young men have stopped playing their music.

15 There isn't any joy in our hearts. Our dancing has turned into sobbing.

16 All of our honor is gone. How terrible it is for us! We have sinned.

17 So our hearts are weak. Our eyes can't see very clearly.

18 Mount Zion has been deserted. Wild dogs are prowling all around on it.

19 Lord, you rule forever. Your throne will last for all time to come.

20 Why do you always forget us? Why have you deserted us for so long?

21 Lord, please bring us back to you. Then we can return. Make our lives like new again.

Lamentations 5:11-21 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.