Read the Bible

¹ Our Lord, don't forget
how we have suffered
    and been disgraced.
² Foreigners and strangers
have taken our land
    and our homes.
³ We are like children
    whose mothers are widows.
⁴ The water we drink
and the wood we burn
    cost far too much.
⁵ We are terribly mistreated;^[b]
we are worn out
    and can find no rest.
⁶ We had to surrender
to^[c] Egypt and Assyria
    because we were hungry.

⁷ Our ancestors sinned,
    but they are dead,
and we are left to pay
    for their sins.
⁸ Slaves are now our rulers,
and there is no one
    to set us free.
⁹ We are in danger
    from brutal desert tribes;
we must risk our lives
    just to bring in our crops.^[d]
10 Our skin is scorched
    from fever and hunger.

¹¹ On Zion and everywhere in Judah
our wives and daughters
    are being raped.
¹² Our rulers are strung up
    by their arms,
and our nation's advisors
    are treated shamefully.
¹³ Young men are forced
    to do the work of slaves;
boys must carry
    heavy loads of wood.
¹⁴ Our leaders are not allowed
    to decide cases in court,
and young people
    no longer play music.

¹⁵ Our hearts are sad;
instead of dancing,
    we mourn.
¹⁶ Zion's glory has disappeared!
And we are doomed
    because of our sins.
¹⁷ We feel sick all over
    and can't even see straight;
¹⁸ our city is in ruins,
    overrun by wild dogs.

¹⁹ You will rule forever, Lord!
    You are King for all time.
²⁰ Why have you forgotten us
    for so long?
²¹ Bring us back to you!
    Give us a fresh start.
²² Or do you despise us so much
    that you don't want us?