5:1 O Lord, consider1 what has happened to us;
please pay attention2 and take notice3 of the disgrace we are suffering.4
5:2 Strangers have taken possession5 of the land that we inherited,6
foreigners now occupy our homes.7
5:3 We have become orphans and fatherless,
our mothers have become widows.
5:4 We must pay money8 to drink our own water;9
we must buy our own wood at a steep price.10
5:5 We are pursued—our adversaries are breathing down our necks;11
we are physically worn out and cannot find any rest.
5:6 We have made treaties12 with Egypt and Assyria
just to acquire enough food13 to keep us alive.14
5:7 Our ancestors15 sinned and are now dead,16
so17 we are left to bear18 their punishment.19
there is no one to rescue us from their control.21
5:9 We risk22 our lives23 when we search for food24
because murderous marauders lurk25 in the countryside.26
5:10 Our skin is hot as an oven;
we are feverish from hunger.27
5:11 Our wives28 have been raped29 in the City of Zion;30
our virgin daughters31 have been ravished32 in the towns of Judah.
5:12 They33 executed the royal family34 by hanging;35
they have mistreated our elders.36
5:13 They force our young men to perform menial physical labor;37
they make our boys carry heavy loads of wood.38
5:14 The elders no longer conduct business at the city gate;39
the young men have stopped playing their joyful music.
5:15 Our hearts no longer experience any joy;40
instead of dancing with joy, we mourn and lament.41
5:16 The crown has fallen from our head;
woe to us, for we have sinned!
5:17 Because of this, we42 are very sorrowful;43
because of these things, we can hardly see44 through our tears.45
5:18 For wild animals46 are prowling over Mount Zion,
which lies deserted.47
5:19 But you, O Lord, reign forever;
your throne endures from generation to generation.
5:20 Why have you forgotten48 us forever?
Why do you forsake us so long?
5:21 Bring us back to yourself, O Lord, and let us return49 to you;
renew50 our life51 as in ancient times.52
5:22 Or53 are you determined to reject us once and for all?54
Are you angry with us beyond limit?55