16. The people to whom they are prophesying will die through war and famine. Their bodies will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem and there will be no one to bury them. This will happen to the men and their wives, their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour out on them the destruction they deserve.”
17. “Tell these people this, Jeremiah:‘My eyes overflow with tears day and night without ceasing.For my people, my dear children, have suffered a crushing blow.They have suffered a serious wound.
18. If I go out into the countryside,I see those who have been killed in battle.If I go into the city,I see those who are sick because of starvation.For both prophet and priest go about their own business in the land without having any real understanding.’”
19. Then I said,“Lord, have you completely rejected the nation of Judah?Do you despise the city of Zion?Why have you struck us with such forcethat we are beyond recovery?We hope for peace, but nothing good has come of it.We hope for a time of relief from our troubles, but experience terror.
20. Lord, we confess that we have been wicked.We confess that our ancestors have done wrong.We have indeed sinned against you.