17 God did carry out, item by item, exactly what he said he’d do.
    He always said he’d do this. Now he’s done it—torn the place down.
    He’s let your enemies walk all over you, declared them world champions!

18 Give out heart-cries to the Master, dear repentant Zion.
    Let the tears roll like a river, day and night,
    and keep at it—no time-outs. Keep those tears flowing!

19 As each night watch begins, get up and cry out in prayer.
    Pour your heart out face-to-face with the Master.
    Lift high your hands. Beg for the lives of your children
    who are starving to death out on the streets.

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17 The Lord has done what he planned;
    he has fulfilled(A) his word,
    which he decreed long ago.(B)
He has overthrown you without pity,(C)
    he has let the enemy gloat over you,(D)
    he has exalted the horn[a] of your foes.(E)

18 The hearts of the people
    cry out to the Lord.(F)
You walls of Daughter Zion,(G)
    let your tears(H) flow like a river
    day and night;(I)
give yourself no relief,
    your eyes no rest.(J)

19 Arise, cry out in the night,
    as the watches of the night begin;
pour out your heart(K) like water
    in the presence of the Lord.(L)
Lift up your hands(M) to him
    for the lives of your children,
who faint(N) from hunger
    at every street corner.

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Footnotes

  1. Lamentations 2:17 Horn here symbolizes strength.