The Lord who rules over all called out to you at that time. The Lord told you to weep and cry. He told you to tear your hair out. And he told you to put on the rough clothing people wear when they’re sad.
We were sitting by the rivers of Babylon. We wept when we remembered what had happened to Zion.On the nearby poplar trees we hung up our harps.Those who held us as prisoners asked us to sing. Those who enjoyed hurting us ordered us to sing joyful songs. They said,“ Sing one of the songs of Zion to us!”How can we sing the songs of the Lord while we are in another land?
The king returned to his palace. He didn’t eat anything that night. He didn’t ask for anything to be brought to him for his enjoyment. And he couldn’t sleep.
The vines and fresh wine will dry up completely. Those who used to have a good time will groan.The happy sounds of tambourines will be gone. The noise of those who enjoy wild parties will stop. The joyful music of harps will become silent.People will no longer sing as they drink wine. Beer will taste bitter to those who drink it.