18. This is what the Lord says:I am going to throw out those who live in the land at this timeand cause trouble for them so that they will feel it.
19. Oh, I’m wounded!My wound is serious.Then I thought that this is my punishment, and I will bear it.
20. My tent is destroyed, and all my ropes are broken.My children have left me and have disappeared.There’s no one to set up my tent againor put up my tent curtains.
21. The shepherds are foolish.They don’t look to the Lord for help.That is why they won’t succeed,and all their flocks will be scattered.
22. The report has arrived.A tremendous uproar is coming from the land of the north.Its army will destroy Judah’s citiesand make them homes for jackals.
23. O Lord, I know that the way humans act is not under their control.Humans do not direct their steps as they walk.
24. Correct me, O Lord, but please be fair.Don’t correct me when you’re angry.Otherwise, you’ll reduce me to nothing.
25. Pour out your fury on the nations who don’t know youand on people who don’t worship you.They have devoured the descendants of Jacob.They have devoured them completely.They have destroyed their homes.