Jerusalem, still personified as widow representing the covenant people of God, is now addressing the people passing by: all you who pass by.
The specific identity of those who pass by
is left undefined. The phrase refers to anyone walking by and seeing the ruined state of the city. These may be tempted to turn a blind eye, mock (2 Chronicles 7:21–22), exploit (Psalm 80:12; Psalm 89:41), or just be appalled (Jeremiah 18:16; Jeremiah 22:8; Jeremiah 49:17; Jeremiah 50:13). Jerusalem addresses all kinds of passersby.1
Although the words Is it nothing to you…?
are translated from a construction of the original text, it is a preferable translation. The passersby are addressed because of their heartlessness. They would rather pass by on the other side (see also Psalm 31:11). With the request to look and see,
Jerusalem does not want these travellers to do anything apart from lending her a sympathetic ear and eye.
Because of Jerusalem's isolation, abandonment and no answer from the Lord, she turns to anyone who might come within earshot. Perhaps they will help. Perhaps asking them to listen will induce God to break his silence.2 Her turning to anyone for help should not immediately be interpreted as unbelief in God. It is because of her forsakenness by the Lord (and everyone else) that she, in utter desperation, turns to anyone who would just show her a little sympathy.
12 “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the LORD inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.