Bible

Lamentations 5 (CEV)

Topics in Book | Outline of Book | Facts About Book | Commentary | Parallel Verse

NET | ESV | KJV | ASV | RSV | Good News | CEV | Basic | MSG | Spanish | French

Previous Chapter | Browse | Next Chapter

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; we are worn out and can find no rest. ⁶ We had to surrender to 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. 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?