Lamentations 4:17-22

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁷ Our eyes failed, ever watching
    vainly for help;
we were watching eagerly
    for a nation that could not save.^(A)

¹⁸ They dogged our steps
    so that we could not walk in our streets;
our end drew near; our days were numbered,
    for our end had come.^(B)

¹⁹ Our pursuers were swifter
    than the eagles in the heavens;
they chased us on the mountains;
    they lay in wait for us in the wilderness.^(C)

²⁰ The Lord’s anointed, the breath of our life,
    was taken in their pits—
the one of whom we said, “Under his shadow
    we shall live among the nations.”^(D)

²¹ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter Edom,
    you that live in the land of Uz;
but to you also the cup shall pass;
    you shall become drunk and strip yourself bare.^(E)

²² The punishment of your iniquity, O daughter Zion, is accomplished;
    he will keep you in exile no longer;
but your iniquity, O daughter Edom, he will punish;
    he will uncover your sins.^(F)