Traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, this book laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple as well as the Babylonian exile (see 2Kings).
Jerusalem, once great among nations, is like a widow. She weeps but no-one comforts, all her friends having abandoned her. Judah has gone into exile, enemies overtaking her. Roads are empty of pilgrims. Her glory is gone, she is despised. She has sinned and now the enemy jeers. The Temple is invaded by the very foreigners YHWH has barred from it, its vessels sold for food. YHWH is in the right, for Judah disobeyed him and YHWH implemented the judgement he warned about.
YHWH has acted like an enemy and laid waste to Israel, spurning king and priest. He’s rejected his own Temple, handing it to the enemy. The Torah and prophecy have ceased. The elders have sprinkled dust on their heads. Babes ask their mothers “where is bread and wine?”. Jerusalem, your prophets were yes-men, withholding your sins from you [that’s why punishment came]. Cry out to YHWH: “You have made women eat their newborns!”.
YHWH has withered my flesh, broken my bones and teeth, struck my privates and ignored my prayers. Still, I’m hopeful that YHWH’s kindness will return, he can’t stay mad forever. Everyone has only cause to complain about their own sins (not YHWH’s punishment); let us then repent. YHWH, I have called you from the pit, do not turn away, as you hear my adversaries’ taunts!
The Israelites, once valued as gold, are now as earthen pots. Even jackals suckle their young — yet my people have turned cruel, women even cooking their children, such was their deprivation. Judah’s guilt was greater than Sodom, which was destroyed quickly. Those who died of violence/famine were the lucky ones! All this was because the priests shed the blood of the just. Rejoice while you can, Edom, you’ll get your comeuppance! Israel, your sin is expiated.
Remember us, YHWH. We must pay to drink our own water. It was our forefathers who sinned, yet we bear their punishment. Joy is gone from our hearts; jackals stroll through Jerusalem. Why have you forgotten us and raged so bitterly against us?
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