Lamentations 4:12-22

Kings of the earth and people of the world could not believe that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem. It happened because her prophets sinned and her priests did evil. They killed in the city those who did what was right. They wandered in the streets as if they were blind. They were dirty with blood, so no one would touch their clothes. “Go away! You are unclean,” people shouted at them. “Get away! Get away! Don’t touch us!” So they ran away and wandered. Even the other nations said, “Don’t stay here.” The LORD himself scattered them and did not look after them anymore. No one respects the priests or honors the elders. Also, our eyes grew tired, looking for help that never came. We kept watch from our towers for a nation to save us. Our enemies hunted us, so we could not even walk in the streets. Our end is near. Our time is up. Our end has come. Those who chased us were faster than eagles in the sky. They ran us into the mountains and ambushed us in the desert. The LORD’s appointed king, who was our very breath, was caught in their traps. We had said about him, “We will be protected by him among the nations.” Be happy and glad, people of Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. The cup of God’s anger will come to you; then you will get drunk and go naked. Your punishment is complete, Jerusalem. He will not send you into captivity again. But the LORD will punish the sins of Edom; he will uncover your evil.