4 How the gold has lost its luster! lie scattered in the streets! 2 See how the precious children of Jerusalem, made by a common potter. 3 Even the jackals feed their young, like ostriches in the desert. 4 The parched tongues of their little ones but no one has any to give them. 5 The people who once ate the richest foods now search the garbage dumps for food. 6 The guilt of my people and no hand offered help. 7 Our princes once glowed with health— their appearance like fine jewels. 8 But now their faces are blacker than soot. it is as dry and hard as wood. 9 Those killed by the sword are better off for lack of food from the fields. 10 Tenderhearted women to survive the siege. 11 But now the anger of the LORD is satisfied. that burned the city to its foundations. 12 Not a king in all the earth— could march through the gates of Jerusalem. 13 Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets by shedding innocent blood. 14 They wandered blindly that no one dared touch them. 15 “Get away!” the people shouted at them. but none would let them stay. 16 The LORD himself has scattered them, and no longer honor the leaders. 17 We looked in vain for our allies that could not help us. 18 We couldn’t go into the streets We were doomed! 19 Our enemies were swifter than eagles in flight. they were waiting for us there. 20 Our king—the LORD’s anointed, the very life of our nation— would protect us against any nation on earth! 21 Are you rejoicing in the land of Uz, You, too, will be stripped naked in your drunkenness. 22 O beautiful Jerusalem, your punishment will end; soon your many sins will be exposed.