[5:1] Remember, O Lord, what has happened to us. Look at us, and see our disgrace.
[5:2] Our property is in the hands of strangers; foreigners are living in our homes.
[5:3] Our fathers have been killed by the enemy, and now our mothers are widows.
[5:4] We must pay for the water we drink; we must buy the wood we need for fuel.
[5:5] Driven hard like donkeys or camels, we are tired, but are allowed no rest.
[5:6] To get food enough to stay alive, we went begging to Egypt and Assyria.
[5:7] Our ancestors sinned, but now they are gone, and we are suffering for their sins.
[5:8] Our rulers are no better than slaves, and no one can save us from their power.
[5:9] Murderers roam through the countryside; we risk our lives when we look for food.
[5:10] Hunger has made us burn with fever until our skin is as hot as an oven.
[5:11] Our wives have been raped on Mount Zion itself; in every Judean village our daughters have been forced to submit.
[5:12] Our leaders have been taken and hanged; our elders are shown no respect.
[5:13] Our young men are forced to grind grain like slaves; boys go staggering under heavy loads of wood.
[5:14] The old people no longer sit at the city gate, and the young people no longer make music.
[5:15] Happiness has gone out of our lives; grief has taken the place of our dances.
[5:16] Nothing is left of all we were proud of. We sinned, and now we are doomed.
[5:17] We are sick at our very hearts and can hardly see through our tears,
[5:18] because Mount Zion lies lonely and deserted, and wild jackals prowl through its ruins.
[5:19] But you, O Lord, are king forever and will rule to the end of time.
[5:20] Why have you abandoned us so long? Will you ever remember us again?
[5:21] Bring us back to you, Lord! Bring us back! Restore our ancient glory.
[5:22] Or have you rejected us forever? Is there no limit to your anger?