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Lamentations

A Communal Plea for Mercy and Restoration

5
Chapter 5
1 Remember, LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our reproach. 2 Our inheritance has been turned over to foreigners, our houses to foreigners. 3 We are orphans with no father; our mothers are widows. 4 We drink our water with silver; they bring our wood for a price. 5 On our necks we are pursued; we are weary, and no rest was given to us. 6 We gave a hand to Egypt, to Assyria, to satisfy Manna. 7 Our fathers sinned, and they are no more, and we have borne their iniquities. 8 Slaves have ruled over us; there is no ruler from their hand. 9 We bring our manna in our vital life force because of the sword of the wilderness. 10 Our skin is like an oven, scorched because of the raging fury of famine. 11 They oppressed women in Zion, maidens in the cities of Judah. 12 Princes were hanged by their hand; the faces of elders were not honored. 13 Young men carried the millstone, and boys stumbled under wood. 14 The elders have ceased from the gate, young men from their music. 15 The Sabbath rest of the joy of our heart has turned to mourning; our dancing has turned to mourning. 16 The crown of our head has fallen! Alas for us, for we have sinned. 17 Because of this our heart has grown faint; because of these our eyes have grown dark. 18 Mount Zion is desolate—foxes prowl in it. 19 You, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. 20 Why will you forget us forever and abandon us for length of days? 21 Bring us back to you, LORD, and let us return; renew our days as before. 22 for if you have utterly rejected us, you have been very angry with us.