17. Gather up your belongings to leave the land,you who live under siege.
18. For this is what the Lord says:‘At this time I will hurl outthose who live in this land;I will bring distress on themso that they may be captured.’
19. Woe to me because of my injury!My wound is incurable!Yet I said to myself,‘This is my sickness, and I must endure it.’
20. My tent is destroyed;all its ropes are snapped.My children are gone from me and are no more;no one is left now to pitch my tentor to set up my shelter.
21. The shepherds are senselessand do not enquire of the Lord;so they do not prosperand all their flock is scattered.
22. Listen! The report is coming –a great commotion from the land of the north!It will make the towns of Judah desolate,a haunt of jackals.
23. Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own;it is not for them to direct their steps.
24. Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure –not in your anger,or you will reduce me to nothing.