unless You have utterly rejected us
The prayer ends with the fear that God may have utterly rejected them in anger.
This verse leaves the book suspended between hope and dread.
1Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. 2Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, 3We have become fatherless orphans; 4We must buy the water we drink; 5We are closely pursued; 6We submitted to Egypt and Assyria 7Our fathers sinned and are no more, 8Slaves rule over us; 9We get our bread at the risk of our lives 10Our skin is as hot as an oven 11Women have been ravished in Zion, 12Princes have been hung up by their hands; 13Young men toil at millstones; 14The elders have left the city gate; 15Joy has left our hearts; 16The crown has fallen from our head. 17Because of this, our hearts are faint; 18because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, 19You, O LORD, reign forever; 20Why have You forgotten us forever? 21Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; 22unless You have utterly rejected us