How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #7
Cry aloud to the Lord! O wall of daughter Zion! Let tears stream down like a torrent day and night! Give yourself no rest, your eyes no respite! Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! (NRSV 2:18-19)
Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease. Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord. (KJV 2:18-19)
So, what can the people do now? The Poet recommends that they weep constantly about their sins and pray that God hasn't totally turned his back on them. this is the beginning of any reconciliation.
Quote #8
Why should any who draw breath complain about the punishment of their sins? Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord[…] We have transgressed and rebelled, and you have not forgiven. You have wrapped yourself with anger and pursued us, killing without pity. (NRSV 3:39-40, 42-43)
Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord[…] We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. (KJV 3:39-40, 42-43)
Complaining about your punishment isn't the same as crying out in pain. You can accept the consequences of your actions but still lament to God about your suffering.
Quote #9
It was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in the midst of her. Blindly they wandered through the streets, so defiled with blood that no one was able to touch their garments. "Away! Unclean!" people shouted at them; "Away! Away! Do not touch!" (NRSV 4:13-15)
For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not. (KJV 4:13-15)
Another answer to the "why?" question. The religious leaders in the city have totally failed the people. They lead lives of sin and steered everyone down the wrong path. God was not amused. But why not punish only the priest and prophets?