Jeremiah's Lament

Jeremiah 14:17-22

¹⁷ Let my eyes stream with tears
night and day, without rest,
Over the great destruction which overwhelms
the virgin daughter of my people,
over her incurable wound.

¹⁸ If I walk out into the field,
look! those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! victims of famine.
Both prophet and priest ply their trade
in a land they do not know.

¹⁹ Have you really cast Judah off?
Is Zion loathsome to you?
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.

²⁰ We recognize our wickedness, LORD,
the guilt of our ancestors:
we have sinned against you.

²¹ Do not reject us, for your name's sake,
do not disgrace your glorious throne.
Remember! Do not break your covenant with us.

²² Among the idols of the nations are there any that give rain?
Or can the mere heavens send showers?
Is it not you, LORD,
our God, to whom we look?
You alone do all these things.