11. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Do not pray for the well-being of this people.
12. Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.’
13. But I said, ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord! The prophets keep telling them, “You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.” ’
14. Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.
15. Therefore this is what the Lord says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, “No sword or famine will touch this land.” Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine.
16. And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them, their wives, their sons and their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.
17. ‘Speak this word to them:‘ “Let my eyes overflow with tearsnight and day without ceasing;for the Virgin Daughter, my people,has suffered a grievous wound,a crushing blow.
18. If I go into the country,I see those slain by the sword;if I go into the city,I see the ravages of famine.Both prophet and priesthave gone to a land they know not.” ’
19. Have you rejected Judah completely?Do you despise Zion?Why have you afflicted usso that we cannot be healed?We hoped for peacebut no good has come,for a time of healingbut there is only terror.
20. We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord,and the guilt of our ancestors;we have indeed sinned against you.
21. For the sake of your name do not despise us;do not dishonour your glorious throne.Remember your covenant with usand do not break it.
22. Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?Do the skies themselves send down showers?No, it is you, Lord our God.Therefore our hope is in you,for you are the one who does all this.