¹⁷ The Lord has done what He planned; He has carried out and finished His word which He threatened and decreed ^[a]in the days of old. He has demolished without pity; He has made the enemy rejoice over you and has exalted the might of your foes.^(A)

¹⁸ The hearts [of the inhabitants of Jerusalem] cried to the Lord. [Then to the congregation, I, Jeremiah, cried, addressing the wall as its symbol] O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give yourself no rest, let not your eyes stop [shedding tears].

¹⁹ Arise [from your bed], cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up your hands toward Him for the lives of your young children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street.^(B)