7. I have separated the people of Judah with my pitchforkand scattered them at the city gates of the land.My people haven’t changed their ways.So I have destroyed themand taken away their children.
8. There are more widows than grains of sand in the sea.I brought a destroyer at noontimeagainst the mothers of the young men of Judah.I suddenly brought pain and fearon the people of Judah.
9. When the enemy attacked, a woman with seven sons felt faint because they would all die.She became weak and unable to breathe.Her bright day became dark from sadness.She felt shame and disgrace.And everyone else left alive in JudahI will hand over to the enemies, too!” says the Lord.
10. Mother, I am sorry that you gave birth to mesince I must accuse and criticize the whole land.I have not loaned or borrowed anything,but everyone curses me.
11. The Lord said,“I have saved you for a good reason.I have made your enemies beg youin times of disaster and trouble.
12. No one can smash a piece of iron or bronzethat comes from the north.
13. Your wealth and treasuresI will give to others free of charge,because the people of Judah have sinnedthroughout the country.
14. I will make you slaves to your enemiesin a land you have never known.My anger is like a hot fire,and it will burn against you.”
15. Lord, you understand.Remember me and take care of me.Punish for me those who are hurting me.Don’t destroy me while you remain patient with them.Think about the shame I suffer for you.
16. Your words came to me, and I listened carefully to them.Your words made me very happy,because I am called by your name,Lord God All-Powerful.
17. I never sat with the crowdas they laughed and had fun.I sat by myself, because you were there,and you filled me with anger at the evil around me.
18. I don’t understand why my pain has no end.I don’t understand why my injury is not cured or healed.Will you be like a brook that goes dry?Will you be like a spring that stops flowing?
19. So this is what the Lord says:“If you change your heart and return to me, I will take you back.Then you may serve me.And if you speak things that have worth,not useless words,then you may speak for me.Let the people of Judah turn to you,but you must not change and be like them.
20. I will make you as strong as a wall to this people,as strong as a wall of bronze.They will fight against you,but they will not defeat you,because I am with you.I will rescue you and save you,” says the Lord.
21. “I will save you from these wicked peopleand rescue you from these cruel people.”