18. For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the landat this time, and I will bring distress on them,that they may feel it.”
19. Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is grievous.But I said, “Truly this is an affliction,and I must bear it.”
20. My tent is destroyed,and all my cords are broken;my children have gone from me, and they are not;there is no one to spread my tent againand to set up my curtains.
21. For the shepherds are stupidand do not inquire of the Lord;therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.
22. A voice, a rumor! Behold, it comes!— a great commotion out of the north countryto make the cities of Judah a desolation, a lair of jackals.
23. I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself,that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
24. Correct me, O Lord, but in justice;not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.
25. Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not,and on the peoples that call not on your name, for they have devoured Jacob;they have devoured him and consumed him,and have laid waste his habitation.