Lamentations 4:17-22

Modern English Version

¹⁷ Our eyes failed us,
    watching vainly for help;
in our watchtowers we watched
    for a nation that could not save us.

¹⁸ They tracked our steps
    so that we could not walk in our streets.
Our end drew near; our days were numbered,
    for our end had come.

¹⁹ Our pursuers were swifter
    than the eagles of the skies.
They pursued us on the mountains;
    they lay in wait for us in the wilderness.

²⁰ The breath of our life, the anointed king of the Lord,
    was captured in their traps,
of whom we said, “Under his shadow
    we shall live among the nations.”

²¹ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom,
    you who dwell in the land of Uz!
The cup shall also pass to you;
    you shall become drunk and strip yourself bare.

²² The punishment of your iniquity, O daughter of Zion, is accomplished;
    He shall exile you no longer.
He shall punish your iniquity, O daughter of Edom;
    He will expose your sins!