ע Ayin

17 All the while our eyes were failing
as we looked in vain for help;(A)
we watched from our towers
for a nation that would not save us.

צ Tsade

18 Our steps were closely followed
so that we could not walk in our streets.
Our end approached;(B) our time ran out.
Our end had come!

ק Qoph

19 Those who chased us were swifter
than eagles in the sky;(C)
they relentlessly pursued us over the mountains
and ambushed us in the wilderness.

ר Resh

20 The Lord’s anointed, the breath of our life,[a](D)
was captured in their traps.
We had said about him,
“We will live under his protection among the nations.”

שׂ Sin

21 So rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom,(E)
you resident of the land of Uz!(F)
Yet the cup(G) will pass to you as well;
you will get drunk and expose yourself.

ת Taw

22 Daughter Zion, your punishment is complete;
he will not lengthen your exile.[b]
But he will punish your iniquity, Daughter Edom,
and will expose your sins.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. 4:20 Lit nostrils
  2. 4:22 Or not deport you again

17 Our eyes failed,
    searching in vain for hope;
we kept watching and looking
    for a nation that would not help.

18 Our steps were closely stalked,
    so we couldn’t travel on our own streets.
Our end is near,
    our days are over;
        indeed, our end has come.

19 Our pursuers were swifter
    than soaring eagles;[a]
they pursued us over the mountains,
    lying in wait for us in the wilderness.

20 The Lord’s anointed,
    the breath of our life,
        was captured in their pits.
About him we had said,
    “Under his protection we will survive
        among the nations.”

21 Celebrate and rejoice, you women[b] of Edom,
    who live in the land of Uz.
But to you the cup also will pass—
    you will become drunk and stripped naked.

22 The punishment for your sin is complete, you women[c] of Zion,
    and God[d] will no longer exile you.
He will punish your iniquity, you women[e] of Edom,
    and he will expose your sins.

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Footnotes

  1. Lamentations 4:19 Lit. than eagles of the heavens
  2. Lamentations 4:21 Lit. daughter
  3. Lamentations 4:22 Lit. daughter
  4. Lamentations 4:22 Lit. he
  5. Lamentations 4:22 Lit. daughter