² The precious children of Zion,
    worth their weight in fine gold—
how they are reckoned as earthen pots,
    the work of a potter’s hands!^(A)

³ Even the jackals offer the breast
    and nurse their young,
but my people has become cruel,
    like the ostriches in the wilderness.^(B)

⁴ The tongue of the infant sticks
    to the roof of its mouth for thirst;
the children beg for food,
    but there is nothing for them.^(C)

⁵ Those who feasted on delicacies
    perish in the streets;
those who were brought up in purple
    cling to ash heaps.

⁶ For the chastisement of my people has been greater
    than the punishment of Sodom,
which was overthrown in a moment,
    though no hand was laid on it.^[a](D)

¹⁹ But you, O Lord, reign forever;
    your throne endures to all generations.^(B)
20 Why have you forgotten us completely?
    Why have you forsaken us these many days?^(C)
21 Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored;
    renew our days as of old—^(D)
22 unless you have utterly rejected us
    and are angry with us beyond measure.^(E)