How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! (NRSV 1:1)
How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! (KJV 1:1)
Well, that doesn't start off on a happy note. Jerusalem is a deserted wasteland because everyone's gone. Actually, not everyone. Just the important folks. But still. This is the first instance of the Poet comparing his present-day Jerusalem with its former glory.
Quote #2
Judah has gone into exile with suffering and hard servitude; she lives now among the nations, and finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress. The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate. (NRSV 1:3-4)
Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits. The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate. (KJV 1:3-4)
One of the tragedies of the city's destruction was that there was no longer a Temple in which to carry out the required sacrifices and rituals. Pilgrimage festivals were very busy times in Jerusalem. Jews came from all over the region to sacrifice and socialize. Young men and women would dress up and hang out, hoping to find a spouse. Having to live among the heathens was especially awful.
Quote #3
Enemies have stretched out their hands over all her precious things; she has even seen the nations invade her sanctuary, those whom you forbade to enter your congregation. (NRSV 1:10)
The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. (KJV 1:10)
Not even ordinary Judeans were allowed in the holiest parts of the Temple. Think about how they felt about the Babylonian army trampling around in there. Totally defiled.