1. When there had been no rain for a long time, the Lord told me to say to the people:
2. Judah and Jerusalem weepas the land dries up.
3. Rulers send their servantsto the storage pits for water.But there's none to be found;they return in despairwith their jars still empty.
4. There has been no rain,and farmers feel sickas they watch cracks appearin the dry ground.
5. A deer gives birth in a field,then abandons her newborn fawnand leaves in search of grass.
6. Wild donkeys go blindfrom starvation.So they stand on barren hilltopsand sniff the air,hoping to smell green grass.
7. Our terrible sins may demandthat we be punished.But if you rescue us, Lord,everyone will seehow great you are.
8. You're our only hope;you alone can save us now.You help us one day,but you're gone the next.
9. Did this disastertake you by surprise?Are you a warriorwith your hands tied?You have chosen us,and your temple is here.Don't abandon us!
10. My people,you love to wander away;you don't even tryto stay close to me.So now I will reject youand punish you for your sins.I, the Lord, have spoken.
11. The Lord said, “Jeremiah, don't ask me to help these people.
12. They may even go without eating and offer sacrifices to please me and to give thanks. But when they cry out for my help, I won't listen, and I won't accept their sacrifices. Instead, I'll send war, starvation, and disease to wipe them out.”