17. I will scatter them before their enemiesas a strong east wind blows things away.At that awful time they will not see me coming to help them.They will see me leaving.”
18. Then the people said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah. Surely the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost. And the advice from the wise men will still be with us. We will still have the words of the prophets. So let’s ruin him by telling lies about him! We won’t pay attention to anything he says.”
19. Lord, listen to me.Listen to what my accusers are saying!
20. Good should not be paid back with evil.But they have dug a pit in order to kill me.Lord, remember that I stood before youand asked you to do good things for these people.I asked you to turn your anger away from them.
21. So now, let their children starve.Let their enemies defeat them with swords.Let their wives lose their children and husbands.Let the men from Judah be put to death.Let the young men be killed in battle.
22. Let them cry out in their houses.Bring an enemy against them suddenly.Let all this happen because my enemies have dug a pit to trap me.And they have hidden traps for me to step in.
23. Lord, you knowabout their plans to kill me.Don’t forgive their crimes.Don’t erase their sins.Make them fall from their places.Punish them while you are angry.