Lamentations 4:13-22 ▼

13 Because of the sins of her prophets, || The iniquities of her priests, || Who are shedding in her midst the blood of the righteous,

14 They have wandered naked in out-places, || They have been defiled with blood, || Without [any] being able to touch their clothing,

15 “Turn aside—unclean,” they called to them, || “Turn aside, turn aside, do not touch,” || For they fled—indeed, they have wandered, || They have said among nations: “They do not add to sojourn.”

16 The face of YHWH has divided them, || He does not add to behold them, || They have not lifted up the face of priests, || They have not favored [the] old and elderly.

17 While we exist—consumed are our eyes for our vain help, || In our watchtower we have watched for a nation [that] does not save.

18 They have hunted our steps from going in our broad-places, || Near has been our end, fulfilled our days, || For our end has come.

19 Swifter have been our pursuers, || Than the eagles of the heavens, || On the mountains they have burned [after] us, || In the wilderness they have laid wait for us.

20 The breath of our nostrils—the anointed of YHWH, || Has been captured in their pits, of whom we said: “We live among nations in his shadow.”

21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, || Dwelling in the land of Uz, || Even to you a cup passes over, || You are drunk, and make yourself naked.

22 Completed [is] your iniquity, daughter of Zion, || He does not add to remove you, || He has inspected your iniquity, O daughter of Edom, || He has removed [you] because of your sins!