Three Prophets Who Saw Jerusalem in Three States

"How [Eikhah]" (Isaiah 1:21). Rabbi Yudah and Rabbi Nechemyah differed. Rabbi Yudah said: This word "How" is nothing other than a term of reproach, as it says, "How do you say, We are wise" (Jeremiah 8:8). Rabbi Nechemyah said: This word "How" is nothing other than a term of lamentation, as it says, "How does she sit alone" (Lamentations 1:1), "How has the Lord covered with a cloud in His anger" (Lamentations 2:1), "How is the gold become dim" (Lamentations 4:1). It is like a noblewoman who had three groomsmen: one saw her in her tranquility, one saw her in her recklessness, and one saw her in her disgrace. So too: Moses saw Israel in their tranquility and said, "How can I bear alone" (Deuteronomy 1:12). Isaiah saw them in their recklessness and said, "How has she become a harlot" (Isaiah 1:21). Jeremiah saw them in their disgrace and said, "How does she sit alone" (Lamentations 1:1).