1. The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:
2. Judah mourns,her gates are lifeless;They are bowed to the ground,and the outcry of Jerusalem goes up.
3. The nobles send their servants for water,but when they come to the cisternsThey find no waterand return with empty jars.Confounded, despairing, they cover their heads
4. because of the ruined soil;Because there is no rain in the landthe farmers are confounded, they cover their heads.
5. Even the doe in the field deserts her youngbecause there is no grass.
6. The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights,gasping for breath like jackals;Their eyes grow dim;there is no grass.
7. Even though our crimes bear witness against us,act, Lord, for your name’s sake—Even though our rebellions are many,and we have sinned against you.
8. Hope of Israel, Lord,our savior in time of need!Why should you be a stranger in the land,like a traveler stopping only for a night?
9. Why are you like someone bewildered,a champion who cannot save?You are in our midst, Lord,your name we bear:do not forsake us!
10. Thus says the Lord about this people:They so love to wanderthat they cannot restrain their feet.The Lord takes no pleasure in them;now he remembers their guilt,and will punish their sins.