The intention to comfort Jerusalem by pointing to similar sufferings that others have had to bear cannot be carried out. Why not? The size of Jerusalem's breach exceeds any other, which is as wide as the sea.1 The sea was a symbol for what was inconceivably immense, agitated, threatening, and bringing infinite separation. Apart from the vastness of her ruin, it may be also as great as that which the fury of the sea might inflict. Like the repeated and relentless action of the sea, Jerusalem’s unbounded affliction cannot be healed.2
13 What can I say for you, to what compare you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What can I liken to you, that I may comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion? For your ruin is vast as the sea; who can heal you?