¹⁷ The Lord did what he planned to do.
    He did what he said he would do.
    He did what he commanded a long time ago.
He destroyed, and he had no pity.
    He made your enemies happy because of what happened to you.
    He made your enemies strong.

¹⁸ Cry out with all your heart^[a] to the Lord!
    Jerusalem, let tears roll down your walls.
    Let your tears flow like a stream day and night.
Don’t stop crying
    or let your eyes dry.

¹⁹ Get up throughout the night and cry for help.
    Let your sorrow pour out before the Lord like water.
Lift up your hands in prayer to him.
    Ask him to let your children live.
    They are starving to death on every street corner.