17 Moreover, our eyes failed,
    looking in vain(A) for help;(B)
from our towers we watched
    for a nation(C) that could not save us.

18 People stalked us at every step,
    so we could not walk in our streets.
Our end was near, our days were numbered,
    for our end had come.(D)

19 Our pursuers were swifter
    than eagles(E) in the sky;
they chased us(F) over the mountains
    and lay in wait for us in the desert.(G)

20 The Lord’s anointed,(H) our very life breath,
    was caught in their traps.(I)
We thought that under his shadow(J)
    we would live among the nations.

21 Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom,
    you who live in the land of Uz.(K)
But to you also the cup(L) will be passed;
    you will be drunk and stripped naked.(M)

22 Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion;(N)
    he will not prolong your exile.
But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom,
    and expose your wickedness.(O)

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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