Lamentations

The city of Jerusalem lies desolate and conquered, its people taken captive and weeping in affliction, remembering its former glory and beauty. The Lord's wrath has been poured out on the city, destroying its strongholds and giving its people over to their enemies, with children and infants suffering greatly. Despite the suffering, the people recall God's mercies and faithfulness, finding hope in His new compassions every morning. The city's inhabitants are compared to fine gold that has lost its value, with precious children now treated as worthless, and the people are punished for the sins of their prophets and priests. The people cry out to God, acknowledging their fathers' sins and lamenting the loss of their former way of life, expressing their longing for God's restoration and renewal, but also acknowledging God's rejection and wrath against them.