12 “Does it mean nothing to you, all you who pass by?

Look around and see if there is any suffering like mine,

which the Lord brought on me

when he erupted in fierce anger.

13 “He has sent fire from heaven that burns in my bones.

He has placed a trap in my path and turned me back.

He has left me devastated,

racked with sickness all day long.

14 “He wove my sins into ropes

to hitch me to a yoke of captivity.

The Lord sapped my strength and turned me over to my enemies;

I am helpless in their hands.

15 “The Lord has treated my mighty men

with contempt.

At his command a great army has come

to crush my young warriors.

The Lord has trampled his beloved city*

like grapes are trampled in a winepress.

16 “For all these things I weep;

tears flow down my cheeks.

No one is here to comfort me;

any who might encourage me are far away.

My children have no future,

for the enemy has conquered us.”