19 Have you completely rejected Yehudah (Judah)?

≈ Do you really hate Tsiyyon (Zion)?

Why have you struck us when there’s no healing for us?

We eagerly hoped for peace, but there was nothing good.

≈ We hoped for a time of healing, but wow, we got terror!

20 Yahweh, we acknowledge our wickedness—

≈ the transgression of our ancestors.

≈ Yes, we’ve sinned against you.

21 For the sake of your reputation, don’t reject us.

≈ Don’t treat the place hosting your wonderful throne with contempt.

Remember your agreement with us, and don’t break it.

22 Do those useless idols from other countries send rain?

≈ Do they cause showers to fall?

Isn’t it you, our god Yahweh, who does that?

We eagerly wait for you, because you’re the one who does all those things.