8. Their widows will outnumberthe sand on the shore.I will bring a destroyer in broad daylightagainst the mothers of young men.Suddenly I will bring distressand terror upon them.
9. The mother of sevenwill grow weak and gasp for air;her sun will set while it is yet day;she will be ashamed and disgraced.I will deliver the survivors to the sword,to the power of their enemies,declares the Lord.
10. I wish I had never been born! I have become a source of conflict and dissension in my own country. Even though I haven’t lent or borrowed, still everyone curses me.
11. The Lord said:Haven’t I taken care of you?Haven’t I helped you with your enemiesin time of trouble and distress?
12. Can a person shatter iron,iron from the north, or bronze?
13. Your wealth and belongingsI will deliver as plunder,without a fee,because of all your sinsthroughout your territory.
14. I will make you serve your enemiesin a land you don’t know,for my anger blazes like a firethat won’t go out.
15. You understand, Lord!Remember me and act on my behalf.Bring judgment on those who torment me.In your mercy, spare my life.Consider how I’m insulted on your account.
16. When your words turned up, I feasted on them;and they became my joy, the delight of my heart,because I belong to you,Lord God of heavenly forces.
17. I didn’t join the festive occasions;I took no delight in them.I sat alonebecause your hand was upon meand you had filled me with curses.
18. Why am I always in pain?Why is my wound incurable,so far beyond healing?You have become for me as unreliableas a spring gone dry!
19. Therefore, the Lord proclaims:If you return to me, I will take you backand let you stand before me.If you utter what is worthwhile,not what is worthless,you will be my spokesman.They will turn to you,not you to them!
20. I will make you a sturdy bronze wallagainst these people.They will attack you,but they won’t triumph,because I am with youto protect and rescue you,declares the Lord.